The lions that do not obey orders, the trainer who throws a platform and chairs at them and whips them . The agitated animals that hit the bars of the cage and terrorize the spectators who, in panic, run away.
Moments of fear during the Orfei circus show in Licola (Naples) . Due, the circus later explained, to two males who were fighting over a female.
In the amateur video recorded , the trainer can be seen taking a platform from the stage and throwing it at a lion, before starting to whip the animals, who run like crazy from one side of the cage to the other , also hitting the bars, which begin to waver.
But fear aside, no injuries were reported and everything is back under control, the trainer's violence has caused controversy, with several social media users lashing out.
M5S MP Alessandro Caramiello speaks of a «serious episode». «Disturbing images, a clear violation of the dignity and respect that every living being deserves». An episode that demonstrates how «captivity and training» generate «suffering and stress in animals» . And that «forcing them to perform in shows of this kind is an anachronistic, cruel practice devoid of any ethical justification ».
The circus later released a video in which the trainer rejects the accusations and, showing himself among the lions, explains the reason for his behavior: " The two males were in heat and because of jealousy of a female they fought, I did everything possible to prevent them from fighting each other and above all to protect their health. Now they are fine and these are things that happen, even in nature ."
(Online Union)
