On Wednesday, four tigers were shot dead in southern Italy after being attacked during training, prompting calls for a ban on the use of animals in the circus and pushing parliament to re-discuss the matter after a first debate two years ago.
Police detained the eight tigers in the circus, but animal rights groups protested the decision and called on an animal rights watchdog not to kill the tigers involved in the attack.
The association urged the government to speed up the adoption of legislation banning the use of animals in the circus, and said in a statement, "Tiger must be rescued and placed in an environment suitable for their natural needs."
Parliament is debating a new bill banning the use of wild animals in the circus after another bill failed in 2017, while the government vowed to take swift action once the bill was ratified, raising concern for the National Circus Association, which announced protest measures.