# Animal welfare allegations in Italian circuses

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/animal-welfare-allegations-in-italian-circuses
> Updated: 2026-08-11T00:48:26.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Animal rights groups, including LAV and the Franz Weber Foundation, have raised allegations of systemic animal mistreatment within the Italian circus industry. Initial reports focused on the Rony Roller circus in Lazio, where footage allegedly showed animals being beaten, confined to small cages, and deprived of water. Critics also questioned the ethics of the Ministry of Culture providing public financing to such organizations.

In response to similar welfare accusations and social media campaigns, other entities like Circo Rolando Orfei have rejected claims of mistreatment. Management at Orfei argued that footage used against them was “extrapolated from context” or used “instrumentally” to damage their reputation. They maintained that they operate in compliance with veterinary monitoring and have proposed dialogues with independent experts to address the tension between traveling shows and animal welfare standards.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: Circo Rolando Orfei rejects animal welfare accusations

Circo Rolando Orfei has rejected animal mistreatment allegations, calling them instrumentalized social media attacks, and has invited activists to inspect their facilities and engage in dialogue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/circo-rolando-orfei-rejects-animal-welfare-accusations

### 2026-07-15: Circus Rony Roller in Lazio faces animal abuse allegations amid public funding

LAV and Franz Weber exposed animal abuse at Italy's Rony Roller circus, highlighting confinement, beatings, and public funding controversies.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/circus-rony-roller-in-lazio-faces-animal-abuse-allegations-amid-public-funding

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Cite as: Animal welfare allegations in Italian circuses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/animal-welfare-allegations-in-italian-circuses