Rolando Orfei circus faces protests over animal welfare and permit violations in Miramare, Italy

The Rolando Orfei circus is scheduled to operate in Miramare from 5 to 19 August. Animal‑rights groups, coordinated by No circo con animali Rimini, have raised concerns about the welfare of the animals and alleged breaches of municipal regulations. The local ordinance limits a travelling circus to two permits per season, requires at least a thirty‑day interval between permits, and caps total occupancy of public land at twenty days, including set‑up and dismantling.

Activists claim the circus is returning after only thirteen days, exceeding the permitted interval, and may have occupied the site for longer than allowed. They have documented animals kept in cages and metal containers exposed to direct sunlight, prompting urgent requests for veterinary inspections of ventilation, shade, and water provision. Formal complaints have been filed with the municipality and relevant authorities, and the groups say they are prepared to pursue legal action if violations are confirmed.