After the McLaren Circus was temporarily shut down due to an SPCA inspection that yielded up to six contraventions of the Animal Protection Act, it was back to business as usual on Wednesday 30 March.
City of Cape Town spokesperson Jan Kruger said the City reinstated the event permit for the PWR Project event fundraiser with McLaren Circus.
“The City had withdrawn the permit after the SPCA issued the circus with a notice with alleged contraventions of the Animals Protection Act.
“The reinstated permit has been issued subject to compliance with the conditions set out by the SPCA.”
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA issued a warning to McLaren circus on Monday 28 March with certain contraventions to be addressed within 48 hours.
“Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse and Inspector Jeffrey Mfini approached the circus on Monday 28 March to conduct an inspection. The inspection yielded at least six contraventions of the Animal Protection Act, requiring of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA to issue a warning with certain contraventions to be addressed within 48 hours and others within seven days.”
The contraventions listed included a female lioness that had no access to drinking water, concerns about three French Poodles (Jamie, Sasha and Kiemie) and their dental state and additional environment enrichment required for the lions and Bengal tigers.
“The enclosures of the animals were found to be unhygienic and had a putrid smell.
“The enclosures must be cleaned at least once a day – or more, if required – to avoid the accumulation of faeces and urine.”
Owner of McLaren Circus David D McLaren claimed there was a smear campaign against the circus instigated by animal welfare organisations.
“I have been made aware that animal welfare organisations have teamed up with animal rights organisations to continue the smear campaign and witch hunt against my circus. I have now realised that they will stop at nothing, but I trust our compliance and hard work overpowers those that may attempt to abuse their powers.”
Addressing public concerns regarding the well-being of animals at the circus, McLaren said that they do not deny their animals water or food as alleged.
“We do not deny our animals the access to water, food, or the right to socialise with each other. Our pride of lions is accustomed to living with one another.
“This habitual presence adds to their environmental enrichment. We do always monitor our animals and take temporary measures when signs of social conflict present.
“Further to this, my kids, the three French poodles, have received clearance from a veterinarian to commence performing. I am of sound mind that I, along with my team, are doing everything in our power to protect, love and care for my beautiful performing stars.”
Toni Brockhoven, from the animal rights organisation Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC), says animals do not belong in a zoo. She added that any fixed based exhibit would not be permitted to keep animals like lions and tigers in such confined quarters, yet for some reason the law allows circuses to do so.
The McLaren Circus held its final show in Muizenberg on Sunday 3 April and will be moving on to its next venue in Milnerton.