Watch: McLaren Circus’s return to Boksburg greeted with protest

McLaren Circus is back after lockdown and held its first show on November 18, on the corner of Finch and Atlas roads, in Atlasville.
They will be in town until November 29.
As has been the case in the past, the arrival of the circus sparked protest action, due to the circus having animal performances.
A handful of people protested outside the circus during its first show on Wednesday.
Community members wielded placards with messages that read: ‘Animals are not clowns’, ‘No voice, no choice’ and ‘Say no to animals in circuses’.
The protest was organised by Ban Animal Trading (BAT) and Critter Rescue SA (CRSA).
According to Critter Rescue SA’s Karien van Wyk, they protested against the circus using animals.
“In this day and age, we really don’t need animals in circuses anymore. We are against any industry that uses animals for entertainment purposes.
“This is the only circus in South Africa left that allows animals to perform. We want them to get rid of the animals. They can be rehomed to conservations.
“We’ll gladly support them if the circus is animal-free,” said van Wyk.
She pointed out that they are planning more protests.
Dr Smaragda Louw, of BAT, said wild animals should be in their natural habitat, no matter how well they are treated.

While the protesters oppose the presence of animals in circuses, some circus patrons had different views on the situation, saying they have no problem with the presence of animals as long as the company complies with the regulations and takes good care of the animals.
“My family and I have for been supporting the circus for four years now, and we are happy to see that David McLaren is taking good care of its animals,” said Frikkie Lewis, one of the audience members, on Wednesday.

Owner speaks out

The owner of the circus, David McLaren, maintains they are not doing anything illegal and that their circus is regularly inspected by all the relevant authorities.
“We have been running this business for the past 15 years and none of these recognised authorities found anything wrong with the way we carry out our business. Animal cruelty is actually a punishable criminal offence.
“We have never been charged or found guilty of such claims made against us by people who are just against what we are doing.
“The fact is, despite all these oppositions, we are doing everything necessary to protect and take care of the animals.
“Furthermore, throughout lockdown I took care of my animals, made sure their veterinary care was done and their well-being was met,” said McLaren.
He pointed out that during lockdown they built an animal sanctuary in Meyerton, at which they have recently retired some of their lions and tigers.
“We have 40 full-time employees. Their monthly income is dependent on the survival of the circus. We find it strange that on our opening night animal activists were there to attack us and accuse us of cruelty.
“In the eight months of lockdown we never failed our animals once. We’ve done everything possible to look after these animals and make it through the pandemic, but once again we’re being accused of being bad people and of not looking after our animals.
“I cannot understand that throughout these eight months the animal rights activists have not once contacted us to find out how we were managing to look after our animals or asked if we had food for the animals,” McLaren said.
He highlighted that they receive regular inspections from the SPCA and recently renewed their Performing Animals Permit.
McClaren added anybody who is concerned about the animals is welcome to come to the circus and set up a meeting with him.
Vicky Finnemore, manager of the Boksburg SPCA, said they visited the circus last week to carry out an inspection.

Also Read: McLaren Circus denies all allegations of animal abuse