Circuswereld Forum

ECA-Meeting about Animals in the Circus at the International Circus Festival “City of Latina“

On Saturday 16 October, the European Circus Association (ECA) and the Fédération Mondiale du
Cirque (FMC) will organize an information meeting and a press conference about the topic “Animals in
the circus”, in cooperation with the International Circus Festival “City of Latina” (Italy).
Especially for this year’s festival, the organizers have designed a publicity postcard featuring a tiger in
order to demonstrate to the public how much importance they attach to the preservation of animal acts in
the circus. Since its foundation, the ECA has also underlined this opinion. That’s why there is again, as
in previous years, an informative meeting about this topic. So far, the Italian Ministries, which are
responsible for the legislation about circus animals, have reacted very positively to this initiative by the
Festival, the ECA and the FMC.
The event will take place from 11.00 to 12.30. There are sufficient conversation topics, such as the
legislation concerning the future of exotic and dangerous circus animals, the realization of a
harmonization between local and European laws about animal husbandry in circuses and the
professional training of circus workers.
The following speakers have been invited: a representative of the direction of the European Commission
(General SANCO department: animal health and welfare), veterinarian Dr. Daniele La Guardia, (ECA’s)
animal expert Laura van der Meer, lawyer Francesco Mocellin, animal trainer Flavio Togni (American
Circus) and representatives of the Italian forest police and of the Italian health ministry.
The Press Conference about circus animals begins at 12.45. The location of both events is the
Press Centre in the festival tent in Latina.
Everybody interested in the topic ”Circus Animals“ is cordially invited!
The European Circus Association represents the European circuses towards authorities and the general
public. The ECA seeks to promote circus art and culture and to protect this important part of our common
cultural heritage. ECA President Urs Pilz also serves as vice-president and artistic director of the
International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo. Nearly all renowned European circuses are members of the
ECA.

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