Benzini circus Departs La Seyne-sur-Mer Amidst Animal Welfare Concerns
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A clash between animal rights advocates and circus traditions unfolds in southern France.
The Benzini Circus has left its unauthorized encampment in La seyne-sur-mer, marking the end of a brief but contentious stay. the circus had set up on land owned by Toulon Habitat Méditerranée on April 5th, intending to remain until April 22nd. However, the municipality’s firm stance against animal circuses appears to have played a notable role in their departure.
Town Hall Prioritizes Animal Welfare
Despite the absence of specific legislation mandating the circus’s removal, the town hall has consistently voiced its opposition to circuses featuring animals, both wild and domestic. This stance is rooted in concerns for animal welfare, a growing sentiment across Europe. Such as, several countries, including Austria and Belgium, have already implemented bans or restrictions on the use of certain animals in circuses.
Cheikh Mansour, assistant to security and public tranquility at the town hall, emphasized the importance of respecting all forms of life, stating:
I believe that today we must respect life in all its forms and animals should not be forgotten in this field.
Cheikh Mansour, assistant to security and public tranquility at the town hall
animal Rights Group Alleges Mistreatment
The debate surrounding the Benzini Circus’s treatment of animals isn’t new. Last September, the One Voice association, an animal rights organization, released images purportedly showing the circus’s camels confined to small cages in marseille. The association described the animals’ living conditions as a sad daily life
, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals in entertainment.
Conflicting Explanations for Departure
While the town hall’s opposition to animal circuses is clear, the Benzini Circus managers offered a different explanation for their departure.Speaking to BFM Toulon Var, they attributed the move to a family problem
, denying that pressure from the town played a role. This divergence in explanations adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Preventative Measures Implemented
To prevent future unauthorized encampments, the town hall has taken concrete steps to secure the area. Blocks of stone and concrete have been placed around the field, and plans are underway to dig trenches, effectively blocking access for large vehicles. These measures underscore the municipality’s commitment to enforcing its policies regarding animal circuses and land use.
