McLaren Circus back in town

“We won’t get rid of our animals because they bring joy to people and we want to keep the traditional circus alive.”

These are the words of David McLaren, owner of the McLaren Circus.

The McLaren Circus has been operating for 16 years, and its shows include performances by lions, camels, horses and dogs.

The circus has been back in town since March 17 and will stay in Atlasville until March 28.

According to McLaren, the circus came back to Boksburg earlier this year due to the high demand.

“When we were in Boksburg last year, the country was still at level two. We could only allow a certain amount of people in the circus and not everybody got a chance to see the show, hence we came back earlier. All Covid-19 protocols are in place,” the circus owner explained.

McLaren stressed the circus was hit hard by the pandemic, like other organisations that were part of the entertainment industry.

“It was tough for us. The circus could not tour for months after the hard lockdown was announced. The circus tent could usually accommodate about 700 people, but now we can only take 100. I’m even using my smaller tent. Furthermore, we had to add extra shows.

“However, we are grateful that we’re allowed to operate again as it’s still better than no income. I have employees dependent on the survival of the circus. The circus survived because we received food donations for the animals from farmers. We also opened a pizzeria in Meyerton, which helped us.”

The circus owner highlighted that he still did everything in his power to take care of his animals.

As has been the case in the past, the arrival of the circus sparked protest action due to the circus featuring animal performances.

A handful of people protested outside the circus during its shows. The protest was organised by Ban Animal Trading (BAT), who has been protesting against the use of animals in the McLaren Circus for years now.

Dr Smaragda Louw of BAT explained the organisation is against the use of animals for entertainment purposes.

“The animals are being kept in small cages and camps that is not acceptable for zoos, yet it is acceptable for circuses. The animals can’t express themselves naturally as they can in their habitat. They are forced to do outdated tricks so that people can laugh.

“Other animal rights organisations have also been protesting against the circus. Now, less people are buying tickets and more people become aware of the unnaturalness of circuses and the conditions the animals are living in.

“Brian Boswell Circus closed a few years ago due to pressure from animal rights organisations. We are going to protest until the same thing happens to the McLaren Circus.

“The circus tells people they saved lions, but we know it’s not the truth. Worldwide circuses are banned. South Africa needs to catch up to animal rights and welfare. This is why McLaren is still operational despite the outcry from animal rights organisations,” Louw said.

McLaren said they are not doing anything illegal.

“Our circus is regularly inspected by all the relevant authorities. All our permits are in order.

“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 a punishable criminal offence. No torturous training methods are used on my animals.

“I would not have put the animal on stage if it was in a bad condition. We train our animals by giving them treats.

“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.

“Our animals are given space and relax most of the times. They only perform a few minutes a day, and they enjoy it,” said McLaren.

“We don’t go around telling people lies. Our lions come from breeders and were born in captivity. This is the only life they know.

“Only a few countries banned the use of performing animals, South Africa has a written law for working with animals and a licensing system. Animals are protected by the Performing Animals Protection Act of 1935, amended in 2016.”

McClaren added anybody concerned about the animals is welcome to come to the circus and set up a meeting with him.

According to Boksburg SPCA manager, Vicky Finnemore, the society already conducted an inspection.

“No warning letters were issued, but the circus will be inspected by the SPCA each town it moves on to.

“We encourage the public not to support circuses that keep and train animals. Wild animals should not live in steel cages and succumb to torturous training methods.

“As long as people pay to see these animals perform tricks that are not normal behaviour for them, circuses will continue to exploit them,” said Finnemore.

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

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