The investigation, titled “Il sistema circhi” (“The Circus System”), was conducted by the Italian animal rights organization LAV in collaboration with the Franz Weber Foundation.
For the first time in Europe, an undercover investigator successfully infiltrated a circus, spending four months working behind the scenes. During that time, hidden cameras documented not only the public performances but also what happened away from the audience.
The footage focused on Circo Medini during the first month of 2026 and revealed a range of alleged welfare and labor violations.
What investigators documented
According to the organizations, the investigation found evidence of:
- Physical abuse of animals.
- Animals allegedly being beaten, kicked, and struck.
- Animals confined for long periods in small enclosures.
- Poor hygiene and improper disposal of animal manure.
- Workers employed without proper contracts.
- Unsafe working conditions.
- Workers allegedly subjected to verbal abuse.
LAV emphasized that the footage portrays a very different reality from the entertainment presented to circus audiences.
The organization stated:
“For the first time, a person has managed to infiltrate a circus in Europe. For four months, he recorded footage both during the shows and, above all, behind the scenes, bringing to light a picture of violence and humiliation. Faced with these images, no one will be able to say that the circus is a cultural spectacle.”
A wider problem
The investigation did not focus on just one circus.
Researchers visited 19 circuses operating across nine regions of Italy, arguing that the problems documented represent a broader pattern rather than an isolated case.
According to the report, many animals were kept confined for extended periods and subjected to harsh treatment. The organizations say they have reported their findings to the appropriate authorities.
Animal circuses in Europe
Across Europe, attitudes toward the use of animals in circuses have changed significantly.
According to the report:
- 23 of the European Union’s 27 Member States have introduced restrictions on the use of animals in circuses or have banned the use of wild animals altogether.
- However, several countriesβincluding Italyβstill permit animals to perform because circus legislation is decided by individual national governments rather than by the European Union.
Calls for reform
Following the investigation, LAV is urging the Italian government to prohibit the use of animals in circuses.
The organization argues that Italy should join the growing number of European countries that have already adopted bans or strong restrictions, replacing performances involving animals with entertainment that does not rely on keeping wild or domestic animals in captivity for shows.
The investigation has renewed public debate about whether the educational or entertainment value of animal circuses can justify the welfare concerns raised by organizations that oppose their continued use.