It would ‘continue to conduct regular check-ups at the circus to make sure they comply with the Animals Protection Act and Performing Animals Protection Act’, said the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Last week, the SPCA gave the circus a warning after an inspection determined seven violations of the Act. The City of Cape Town suspended the circus’s Events Permit but reissued it again a day later.
The SPCA issued a second warning when it returned with an independent veterinarian on Wednesday 30 March.
The McLaren Circus arrived in Muizenberg, Cape Town on 23 March and shows went on until 3 April. There had been a 50% venue capacity turnout for performances by 2 April, according to News24.
According to Cape Town Etc, Jaco Pieterse, the Chief Inspector and Inspector Jeffrey Mfini confronted the circus. This was after a group of protesters had gathered in Muizenberg with placards to protest.
‘We are disappointed, however, we are pleased that the City had taken swift action when the SPCA brought the initial concerns to their attention. They immediately withdrew the permit and implemented stricter conditions, forcing the circus to comply,’ said Pieterse.
David McLaren, founder of the circus said he understood the issues raised. ‘I’m a circus owner, and it is my responsibility to see to the health of my animals. We are finding common ground with the SPCA,’ he told News24.
Picture: Flickr Commons / Tyler Yeo
‘All our big cats were born in captivity and from generations of big cats born in captivity. Our big cats are hand-raised by their handlers and depend on humans for their survival. Our big cats have a large play enclosure attached to the main enclosures to play in and exercise. They are stimulated and exercised through various forms of environment stimulation activities and positive reinforcement training,’ reads McLaren’s website.
‘Like all big cats, they sleep up to 20 hours a day. Our big cats only perform to their natural abilities and do not do anything unnatural.
‘Our big cats are ambassadors of their species and give many people the opportunity to see them close up and live. When our big cats reach an age where they can no longer perform, they will safely retire to our own fully equipped farm, where they will receive life-long care.’
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McLaren Circus issued warning by Cape of Good Hope SPCA for violations
