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Italy: End of Animal Performances at Orfei Circus Marks an Important Victory for Animal Welfare

oipainternational — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:42:02 +0000

An important step forward for animal protection has recently been announced in Italy: the historic Circo Orfei has decided to end the use of animals in its performances after decades of shows involving wildlife.

The decision reflects a broader cultural shift and growing awareness about the welfare of animals used for entertainment. For many years, animal protection organizations have raised concerns about the conditions in which animals are kept in travelling circuses, where they are often confined in small spaces, transported frequently, and forced to perform behaviours that are unnatural for their species.

For OIPA ETS, which has long campaigned against the use of animals in circuses, this announcement represents an important and symbolic victory. For decades, the organization has worked to raise public awareness about the suffering endured by animals used in circus performances and has advocated for legislation that would put an end to their exploitation for entertainment purposes.

Wild animals such as lions, tigers and elephants have complex physical and behavioural needs that cannot be met in circus environments. The constant transport, limited space and forced performances can lead to chronic stress, behavioural disorders and serious welfare concerns.

A crucial aspect of this transition concerns the future of the animals currently held by circuses. These animals cannot simply be released into the wild, as many of them were born or raised in captivity and do not possess the survival skills necessary to live independently in their natural habitats. For this reason, the most responsible solution is their relocation to specialised sanctuaries or protected facilities where they can live in environments better suited to their biological and behavioural needs.

The decision by the Orfei circus reflects a growing transformation within the entertainment industry. Across Europe and other parts of the world, many circuses have already moved toward performances that rely entirely on human talent, including acrobatics, theatre and artistic expression.

For OIPA, this development represents an encouraging signal that public awareness and advocacy efforts are contributing to an important cultural change.

Ending the use of animals in circus performances is a crucial step toward ensuring that wildlife is no longer exploited for entertainment and that animals are recognised as sentient beings deserving of respect, protection and dignity.

L'articolo Italy: End of Animal Performances at Orfei Circus Marks an Important Victory for Animal Welfare proviene da OIPA.

OIPA officially joins the IAWPC – International Coalition against the mass killing of dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup

oipainternational — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:54:46 +0000

Growing international pressure to stop the mass killing of stray dogs linked to preparations for the global sporting event in 2030

OIPA ETS is proud to officially announce its membership in the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition, a global coalition that is actively working to put an end to the mass killing of stray dogs in Morocco in view of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

OIPA’s entry comes at a time of increasing international concern. According to the coalition, hundreds of thousands of dogs are killed every year in Morocco using extremely cruel methods such as poisoning, shooting, and violent capture, followed by killing in designated facilities.

In recent months, these practices appear to have intensified in connection with preparations for the World Cup. According to the IAWPC, millions of dogs are at risk as part of operations aimed at “cleaning up” cities ahead of the event.

The coalition reports that these killings often take place in public, causing extreme suffering to animals and having a significant impact on communities, particularly on children who are exposed to scenes of violence.

OIPA had already spoken out against these practices, denouncing the situation and calling on the FIFA to intervene, including through awareness-raising initiatives and public mobilization.

The IAWPC is currently in direct contact with FIFA, with the aim of urging concrete and responsible action regarding the situation in Morocco. In this context, OIPA’s membership further strengthens international pressure and contributes to broader media mobilization.

By joining the coalition, OIPA commits to being an active part of this process, not merely an observer but a key actor working to promote concrete change through advocacy, communication, and international coordination.

In particular, OIPA will work alongside IAWPC partners to:

•stop the mass killing of stray dogs;

•promote ethical and effective population management methods;

•apply pressure on Moroccan authorities and international stakeholders;

•strengthen public mobilization and global awareness of the issue.

“OIPA is deeply concerned about what is happening in Morocco,” stated Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA ETS. “The management of stray dogs cannot be based on violence and indiscriminate killing, especially when linked to international events” Pradella added.

The greatness of a nation is not measured solely by its infrastructure, but by its ability to protect the most vulnerable, including animals. “An event that celebrates unity among peoples cannot be overshadowed by actions that contradict the values of respect and civilization,” Pradella concluded.

According to the coalition, the practices currently in place not only represent a serious violation of animal welfare, but also raise significant human rights concerns. Reports indicate that acts of violence and intimidation have been directed at citizens and volunteers working to protect stray dogs, including women activists.

These actions also have a significant impact on minors, who are often exposed to scenes of extreme violence. This situation is in contrast with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which protects children from all forms of violence and promotes education based on respect for life and the environment.

OIPA’s entry into the IAWPC therefore marks a concrete step toward coordinated international action aimed at ending these practices and promoting sustainable, science-based, and humane solutions.

As the world prepares for a global event such as the World Cup, the international community must ensure that respect for animals is not sacrificed in the name of image or tourism.

Sport should be a symbol of unity, respect, and peace: it must not and cannot be associated with violence, suffering, and death.

L'articolo OIPA officially joins the IAWPC – International Coalition against the mass killing of dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup proviene da OIPA.

MASS POISONING OF CATS IN CORSICA

oipainternational — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 06:25:24 +0000

Upper Corsica- A good hearted group of animal rights activists who love cats and take care of them is facing a great deal of troubles.

Firstly, they are suffering the threats coming from a neighbour who can’t stand those poor cats and threated to set on fire the small shelter that the volunteers built for the clowder. The intimidations were so serious that they decided to set up some security cameras.

Feline paunleukopenia is another huge problem affecting cats in the area. This highly contagious viral disease is killing a large number of cats and the treatment to fight it is extremely expensive. Volunteers are doing their best to support the infected cats but they can’t afford these high medical costs. No help from the Veterinary Service, of course.

And to make matters worse, cats have been targeted by a madman who is decimating the cat population in the area. He picked his personal battle against those innocent creatures, a battle made of poison and shotguns. Fortunately, this maniac’s identity is known and one of the volunteers has already reported him to the gendarmerie. What volunteers are asking for is an order to pay compensation calculated on the basis of the veterinary costs spent dor the sterilization of the deceased cats. This amount would be used for the neutering of other cats.

In order to sensitize the population on the issue and encourage the institutions to move rapidly and punish this madman, one of the volunteers launched an online petition. Corsican cats need signatures to obtain justice. Poisoning and shooting at cats can’t be the solution to the stray problem in Corsica.

If you want to give your contribution to the volunteers that are lovingly taking care of alley cats in Corsica, please contact us at international@oipa.org.

Please share this petition with your friends and relatives, HELP US GET JUSTICE FOR CATS IN CORSICA! Sign this petition

L'articolo MASS POISONING OF CATS IN CORSICA proviene da OIPA.

LAILA HAS BEEN ABANDONED AND THROWN ROCKS AT, SHE WAS RISK OF GIVING BIRTH TO HER NINE PUPPIES ON THE STREET: OIPA SYRACUSE’S BLUE ANGELS RESCUED HER BUT NOW SHE NEEDS YOUR HELP

oipainternational — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 11:05:21 +0000

Laila’s story is no different from any other stray’s: not only has she been abused after being abandoned, but she also happened to be pregnant because of the absence of proper sterilization policies in Sicily. What is different this time is the ending of the story: thanks to OIPA Syracuse’s Blue Angels’ precious intervention, Laila was given the chance to give birth in a safe place, properly fed and cuddled, without risking that someone takes her puppies away to kill them.

Abandoned and abused, this beautiful dog spent more than 2 months on the street without a shelter, wandering under the burning sun and in the rain, but when she has been reported to OIPA’s volunteers, she was already pregnant.

Given that she was risking giving birth in a dangerous place for her and her puppies, OIPA’s blue angels have done everything to guarantee a safe shelter for her. Unfortunately, they have seen the Municipality and the municipal dog shelter slam a door in their faces and they had to ask to temporarily take her into foster care in one of their own houses.

Just a few days after her rescue, nine beautiful puppies have been born: fortunately, all are in good health. Given the circumstances and the fact that the blue angels will take care of them until they are ready to be adopted, we now kindly ask for your help to handle the sanitary process (post-weaning food, microchips, deworming and vaccines, all multiplied for 9). You can find the form for donations below.

For more information on Laila and on the support you can provide, please contact international@oipa.org or alexandra.michienzi@oipa.org

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OIPA
International Organization for Animal Protection
via Gian Battista Brocchi 11
I-20131 Milano
Phone: (+39) 02 6427882
Fax: (+39) 178 2206601
Email: international@oipa.org

BANK
Write Causal “HELP LAILA – OIPA SIRACUSE” and the exact amount
Registered person: OIPA – Organizzazione Internazionale Protezione Animali

Banca Popolare Commercio e Industria Agency MILAN-BOCCHETTO
VIA BOCCHETTO, 13 – 20123 Milan – Italy

Banking coordinate
BIC: BPPIITRRXXX
IBAN: IT28 P076 0101 6000 0004 3035 203

CREDIT CARD
Write Causal “HELP LAILA – OIPA SIRACUSE” and the exact amount

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L'articolo LAILA HAS BEEN ABANDONED AND THROWN ROCKS AT, SHE WAS RISK OF GIVING BIRTH TO HER NINE PUPPIES ON THE STREET: OIPA SYRACUSE’S BLUE ANGELS RESCUED HER BUT NOW SHE NEEDS YOUR HELP proviene da OIPA.

OIPA INDIA ASKS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO STOP WATER POLLUTION LEVELS FROM RISING IN THE STATE OF HARYANA

oipainternational — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 09:10:37 +0000

OIPA India representative Naresh Kadyan has presented a formal grievance to the Panchyati Raj Institutions, on a very pressing issue: the rising water pollution levels in the state of Haryana.

The problem has its source in the massive amount of polyethylene and plastics waste that is spoiling the water bodies, thus causing sewer chokes and creating hurdles in the drainage flow. Pollution is also the key reason why the oxygen level (commonly used as an indicator of water quality) is going down rapidly. Maintaining adequate concentrations of oxygen in water is of prime importance for supporting fish, invertebrates and other aquatic life.

Water pollution is also posing a real threat to the health of domestic animals, which are consuming unhygienic water with the risk of developing illnesses and epidemics.

water catchment of Titoli village in Rohtak, Haryana

Aware that this situation needs immediate attention, OIPA India has alerted the institutions of Haryana asking them to tackle the issue and ensure healthy water catchments.

Specifically, OIPA India calls for:

Water and air quality testing near the hydrogeological basins of Haryana and creation of a status report on these water bodies;

Stronger Panchyati Raj institutions measures to prohibit the production, possession, trading and use of polyethylene;

And the introduction of responsible solid waste management and the improvement of plastics recycling systems.

L'articolo OIPA INDIA ASKS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO STOP WATER POLLUTION LEVELS FROM RISING IN THE STATE OF HARYANA proviene da OIPA.

A WELL DESERVED HAPPY ENDING FOR ARTù: THE CAT WITH EAR TUMORS HAS BEEN ADOPTED

oipainternational — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 11:23:42 +0000

Remember Artù, the cat with ear tumors?

“One day you will find an amazing family and there will be a happy ending for you, too”, this is what we all wish to strays and abandoned animals, but unfortunately this dream does not always come true. However, Artù (or rather Remy, his new name) has been lucky enough to see his dream come true: he found a new house and a loving family. After so much pain and anger, after multiple appeals and newspaper articles written to find a home for him, after sanitary interventions, Remy/Artù, the sick cat that has been ignored by institutions and people for so long, finally found his happinnes and his family forever.

The volunteers who have put so much effort into rescuing this cat are deeply moved by this happy ending, that is not to be taken for granted, and we thank everyone who has supported Artù through this difficult time with many generous donations, necessary for his cures.

L'articolo A WELL DESERVED HAPPY ENDING FOR ARTù: THE CAT WITH EAR TUMORS HAS BEEN ADOPTED proviene da OIPA.

SMALL STEPS TOWARDS HAPPINESS: OIPA GELA’S FELINE OASIS

oipainternational — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 09:44:45 +0000

SMALL STEPS TOWARDS HAPPINESS: OIPA GELA’S PROJECT TAKES SHAPE THANKS TO THE ACQUISITION OF A LAND WHERE THE FIRST SICILIAN FELINE OASIS WILL BE SET UP

The dream to realize the first feline oasis in Sicily is closer and closer. Thanks to all the support of OIPA’s readers and supporters, thanks to the continuous commitment of OIPA Gela’s tireless volunteers, a land has been acquired. This land will see a secure and cozy shelter set up for cats in trouble and waiting for adoptions. Works have just started to make the shelter habitable and “cat-proof”: instead of cages and confinement, a wide green space where shelter cabins will be perfectly integrated with the surrounding nature and cats will be able to freely move around, play or nap in the Sicilian sun.

The first cats to cross the oasis’ gate will be “historic” guests of the temporary shelter managed by OIPA Gela’s volunteers: old, sick or wild cats that, therefore, cannot be placed in a domestic reality. Doors will remain open for all those in trouble, from wounded cats to abandoned litters.

In front of a territorial reality where it seems that there is no room for cats protection, OIPA Gela’s feline oasis wants to be a bastion of solidarity and hope, a safe haven for all the invisible animals that keep suffering and dying in a general indifference.

You can choose to be on their side too and help us make this project a more and more concrete reality.

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OIPA’S FIRST FELINE OASIS IN SICILY

MAKE A DONATION
SEND MATERIAL

CURRENT SITUATION

If stray dogs are an actual social disease in Sicily (and unfortunately for some individuals, with the connivance of the municipalities, a source of income), cats are a completely invisible for institutions.

If you call the police or sanitary services, even for sick or wounded cats that need vet surgeries, they do not know what to answer and just say the problem is not of their competence.

Invisible animals? Not for the Blue Angels, OIPA’s volunteers, committed daily to tackle the numerous reports they receive every day on strays, sick cats, cat-moms that need sterilization and abandoned kittens needing milk.

OIPA’s volunteers are currently looking after 10 kittens, together with Giulietta, Eva, Jack, Fiammetta and many more, approximately 50 cats, many of which have been rescued on the streets in precarious health conditions. Because of the increasing number of stray dogs, they have become a real threat not only for litters and abandoned cats, but also for the most vulnerable cats in clowders. Therefore, they cannot always be reintroduced into their territory after having been cured and sterilized, especially if they are old or in bad health. This way, they have been welcomed in a protected and safe place, away from the risks they would have faced on the streets.

SUPPORT OIPA’S FELINE OASIS PROJECT

The idea is to create a real oasis in a desert of indifference, like the one that cats and their guardian angels, volunteers, see and live every day.

A feline oasis like the one you can see on the pictures, nothing particularly complex or highly expensive. In fact, a closed and secured ground and shelter kennels for cats waiting for adoptions are sufficient.

A safe shelter for them and a place that could also be both educational for citizens and an example for institutions that should realize that, with good will and little funds, creating a nice and welcoming place for cats and their visitors is possible.

For more information on the project and on the help you could give, please contact

Liliana Mistretta, OIPA Gela’s Delegate, Tel. 347 6118128, gela@oipa.org

Giorgia Savatta, OIPA Gela’s Vice delegate, Tel. 327 8224704, vice-gela@oipa.org

L'articolo SMALL STEPS TOWARDS HAPPINESS: OIPA GELA’S FELINE OASIS proviene da OIPA.

RESCUED WITH A DEEP HOLE IN HIS HEAD, NAPOLEON IS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE AND NEEDS YOUR HELP TO WIN

oipainternational — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 08:16:27 +0000

A violent blow to the head inflicted cruelly and with no mercy. The blow was intense enough to pierce through Napoleon’s cranium and almost got his ear canal cracked open. The intensity of the wound, visibly caused by a human being, leads to the suspect that it has been inflicted by one of those oppressors who sic dogs for fighting to then abandon them or worse, if they end up being “inappropriate”.

Napoleon, a Pit Bull of about a year and a half, who has been reported to the competent authorities multiple times, has wandered in terrible conditions for various days, annihilated by an incredible pain. Rescued by OIPA Agrigento’s volunteers, who immediately came to help him, Napoleon has been found slumping over on the ground, by that time robbed of strength, at the side of a road.

Fortunately, the larvae that had already started to penetrate the very deep wound in his cranium did not arrive to the brain, even though they have provoked a dangerous infection that has been stopped just on time. Recovered in a vet clinic, Napoleon has had fever for various days and the vets have consequently prescribed the appropriate medication, also to relieve the pain. Now he is feeling a bit better, even though he is still very weak because of the serious anemia status he is currently experiencing, caused by the many tick that covered his body.

Medicated multiple times a day, this young dog is fighting with all his strength to recover as soon as possible and we are rooting for him and hoping to see his eyes full of joy instead of pain.

Let us help Napoleon to get back to a decent and happy life together. Sometimes not much is needed to lean a hand of help, even a small contribution can guarantee the necessary cures for the survival of innocent souls, victims of human ferocity and brutality.

In case you have the opportunity to help materially, it is possible to send medicinal products like baytril or fitostimoline. For more information, please contact Laura Samaritano, OIPA Agrigento’s delegate, at agrigento@oipa.org

THANK YOU

OIPA
International Organization for Animal Protection
via Gian Battista Brocchi 11
I-20131 Milano
Phone: (+39) 02 6427882
Fax: (+39) 178 2206601
Email: international@oipa.org

BANK
Write Causal “Offerta NAPOLEONE– OIPA AGRIGENTO” and the exact amount
Registered person: OIPA – Organizzazione Internazionale Protezione Animali

Banca Popolare Commercio e Industria Agency MILAN-BOCCHETTO
VIA BOCCHETTO, 13 – 20123 Milan – Italy

Banking coordinate
BIC: BPPIITRRXXX
IBAN: IT28 P076 0101 6000 0004 3035 203

CREDIT CARD
Write Causal “Offerta NAPOLEONE– OIPA AGRIGENTO” and the exact amount

L'articolo RESCUED WITH A DEEP HOLE IN HIS HEAD, NAPOLEON IS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE AND NEEDS YOUR HELP TO WIN proviene da OIPA.

BALOO AND BAGHERA’S SMILE: A VICTORY MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO YOU

oipainternational — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 15:15:36 +0000

BALOO AND BAGHERA HAVE RECOVERED!

Do you remember Baloo and Baghera, two Maremma sheepdogs that have been abandoned in the hot sun, and found in tragic conditions – undernourished, thirsty and hungry? When OIPA volunteers found them in the beginning of June, they were completely lacking fur, affected by a severe form of sarcoptic mange and their skin was almost completely sunburned.

Look at these two now, after the treatments OIPA volunteers from Teramo provided them with in the last month. This has been made possible thanks to all the donations they received, and Baloo and Baghera are happy and smiling again. Once recovered, they managed to go back to their normal weight and now they are full of energy again. The good news does not end here, because moreover, they will never have to split – a beautiful family adopted them together.

This is a story that we would not have been able to write without the help of each one of you, who contributed to the recovery of these two fluffy puppies. Donating for veterinary treatments means changing the fate of many adorable souls that would not have had any chances of survival otherwise.

We express our sincerest gratitude on behalf of OIPA Teramo volunteers, Baloo and Baghera and OIPA International.

L'articolo BALOO AND BAGHERA’S SMILE: A VICTORY MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO YOU proviene da OIPA.

THE NEW LIFE OF SNOOPY: THANKS TO YOURS DONATIONS SNOOPY HAS BEEN CURED. NOW HE IS BETTER AND HE HAVE FOUND A SPECIAL ADOPTION

oipainternational — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 10:26:24 +0000

Snoopy was rescued in July by OIPA Eco-Zoophilous Guards in Niscemi, a little village in Sicily. Spotted in a state of decay, this little dog was hanging around with his back broken in two. Attacked by other dogs, Snoopy could not defend himself: he reported not only numerous bite wounds on the body, but also a serious displaced fracture of the spine.

He was carried to the veterinary clinic, where tests have shown that the reported injuries would not allow him to move over the lower limbs.

Despite this bad news, Snoopy has faced the pain and the treatments with great courage: he has been at rest for a month to allow the healing process of the fracture of the spine. In addition he was treated for Leishmania. That’s the reason why the little dog has some patches on the mantle and also he has to take the specific food in order not to burden the kidneys.

Today, thanks to your precious donations, Snoopy is significantly better. He is playful and lively, he has regained his weight and even his hair has grown all over the body. The treatment for leishmania will end in ten days, instead the trolley that will help him to walk will have to wait a bit of time unitl his back will be completely healed.

The best news is that the little Snoopy has found a wonderful family that will welcome him when he will be ready to go.

BANK
Write Causal “SNOOPY- OIPA” and the exact amount
Registered person: OIPA – Organizzazione Internazionale Protezione Animali

Banca Popolare Commercio e Industria Agency MILAN-BOCCHETTO
VIA BOCCHETTO, 13 – 20123 Milan – Italy

Banking coordinate
BIC: POCIITM1
IBAN: IT52 M 05048 01604 0000000 18458

CREDIT CARD
Write Causal “SNOOPY- OIPA” and the exact amount

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L'articolo THE NEW LIFE OF SNOOPY: THANKS TO YOURS DONATIONS SNOOPY HAS BEEN CURED. NOW HE IS BETTER AND HE HAVE FOUND A SPECIAL ADOPTION proviene da OIPA.