Row over lion cubs in a circus in south of France

A dispute over the presence of two lion cubs in a travelling circus in Var has led to competing legal action and renewed scrutiny of France’s phased ban on wild animals in circuses.

The row began when the Cirque franco-belge attempted to set up on private land in Fréjus on April 7 for a two-week run during the Easter school holidays.

The site quickly became the focus of opposition from the mayor, David Rachline, who said the installation was illegal and raised safety concerns. He intervened on site and later announced he had filed a formal complaint after being informed that lion cubs were present.

“The presence of young wild animals in this type of structure raises serious questions about their welfare, conditions of detention and safety,” he said. 

He added that “the very birth of these lion cubs raises questions about compliance with the law”, noting that reproduction of wild animals in travelling circuses has been banned since December 2023 under legislation adopted in 2021.

The mayor also said the circus had tried to install itself “without authorisation, on unsuitable land presenting risks”, including flooding and parking issues. Following intervention by municipal police, the circus left Fréjus the same evening.

Legal dispute over installation

Mr Rachline, re-elected in March, called on other mayors in the Var department to refuse animal circuses, arguing that only “joint and determined action” would ensure the law is enforced.

The circus operator, Jacques Mulot, disputes both the legal and factual basis of the mayor’s claims. He said the circus had permission to use the private site and insisted that current law still allows the use of wild animals in travelling shows until a full ban comes into force in 2028.

He also indicated he would challenge a municipal order banning animal circuses, arguing it conflicts with national legislation. The case has effectively become a ‘battle of complaints’, with both sides pursuing legal avenues.

Serge Muller, director of the Cirque franco-belge, said the two cubs were “born by accident” and insisted they “do not fall under the law”, adding that the animals were identified and that the circus was operating within regulations that remain in force until 2028. 

State authorities stepped in to defuse the situation. Following discussions with the sub-prefecture, an alternative private site was identified in the neighbouring commune of Roquebrune-sur-Argens. 

The mayor there confirmed there were no legal grounds to oppose the installation, and the circus is now expected to remain for the duration of the holidays.

Wider debate on animal circus ban

The local dispute comes amid a wider national debate over the future of animal circuses. Prominent animal protection group, Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis, has warned against any dilution of the planned 2028 ban, calling it an “unacceptable step backwards”.

“After procrastinating and putting off the rehoming of the animals indefinitely, the government now appears to be taking the easy way out: circumventing the law by allowing circus operators to continue their activities, at the expense of the animals’ welfare,” the foundation said.

The organisation added that any move to weaken the law would risk undermining both legislative intent and public support for ending the use of wild animals in travelling shows.