The mayor of Laroque-d’Olmes, Patrick Laffont, accuses the Cirque de Venise of breaking promises regarding the absence of animals, illegally occupying private land, and acting with impunity. He claims initial assurances of a circus without animals were false, with the presence of wild animals escalating the conflict.
The circus's occupation of privately owned land intended for commercial development further fueled the mayor's anger. Laffont highlights the disruption to a planned commercial project and job creation, emphasizing the perceived lack of consequences for the circus.
Legal action has been initiated by the mayor, but he expresses frustration with the slow legal processes. He utilizes social media to express his anger and disappointment. The circus's communication manager, Steve Landri, attributes the situation to a misunderstanding and the mayor's actions on social media that influenced their decision to bring wild animals.
The circus claims an agreement regarding animal presence was made but broken due to the mayor's actions. They argue they were not properly informed of the location issue and maintain the legality of the animal presence before the 2028 ban.