The Cape Argus team previously gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the McLaren Circus in Milnerton, where animal rights activists, including Beauty Without Cruelty, are protesting against the use of wild animals in captivity.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Animal rights organisations are once again challenging the operations of the McLaren Circus, as its acts are currently being staged in Milnerton, Cape Town, as part of its annual tour.
The City of Cape Town has confirmed the permit legitimacy of the well-known McLaren Circus for its latest round of performances, but animal rights activists are not pleased.
Having entertained audiences around the country, including venues in KwaZulu-Natal for more than two decades, owner David McLaren has previously insisted that the animals on show, including tigers and lions, were born in captivity and could not be released into the wild.
While the circus toured Durban in July 2023, animal rights group Ban Animal Trading made known its displeasure and labelled the operations “unethical”, according to a media report.
Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) is now intensifying its campaign against the circus in Cape Town.
BWC is set to carry out protests, having approached the mayor’s office earlier this month, questioning how the circus obtained its permits.
“Despite formal communication sent to the mayor’s office on April 17, BWC confirms that no substantive response has been received, and key questions remain unanswered,” said Chad Cupido, executive officer of BWC South Africa.
“These include the confinement of animals to restricted and unnatural environments, the stress of repeated transport and performance, the inability to meet species-specific behavioural and social needs, and the broader ethical concern of training animals to perform for human entertainment,” said Cupido.
The City of Cape Town confirmed the circus was operating legally.
“The City’s Events Permit Office is guided by the Events By-law and national legislation in reviewing permit applications,” the City said in its response.
“The McLaren Circus is compliant with requirements of the Events By-law, as well as those required by national legislation.
“The event organiser is in possession of a licence issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in terms of the Performing Animals Protection Act, as well as a permit issued by CapeNature to import and transport protected wild animals for show purposes.
“In addition to the above supporting documents, the SPCA conducted an on-site inspection at the circus, which forms part of the requirements for permit conditions.”
McLaren, who previously invited the Cape Argus, the Daily News’ sister publication, to the circus premises, said the operation employs more than 30 staff members and includes animals such as poodles, llamas, camels, tigers and lions.
He said he was challenging BWC’s claims.
. Animal rights activists demonstrating in front of the McLaren Circus in Bellville previously
Image: file
“The concerning part is, this man (BWC) is claiming on social media that we are operating illegally.
“He is saying we do not have permits, and he is questioning the legitimacy of my business. He is saying in his statements that this will be our last year. We are in possession of all our permits.”
McLaren also clarified that a complaint they opened with the South African Human Rights Commission, relating to protests that blocked entrances and caused noise disturbances in Johannesburg, was dismissed.
Belinda Abraham, communications officer for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said while the organisation opposes the use of wild animals in circuses, it is not illegal unless it contravenes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 or the Performing Animals Protection Act.
“The SPCA continues its efforts to lobby local government to prevent the issuance of permits within the City of Cape Town,” she said.