Group plans protest at circus in Van Riebeeck Park on Saturday

THE circus is back in Kempton Park and so are the animal activists.

McLaren Circus has pitched its tent in Van Riebeeck Park on the corner of De Wiekus Road and Christoffel Street with their first show tonight.

Since yesterday various people have started commenting on an article on our website (“Win ringside tickets to the circus”), which was published on October 10 already. These comments all support animal-free circuses.

Ban Animal Trading, which is against the use of any animals in circuses, plans to protest outside the circus on Saturday from 1-3pm to create public awareness of the plight of animals in circuses.

Dr Smaragda Louw of Ban Animal Trading, said in a statement issued this morning: “Circus animals lead unnatural lives of life long captivity, cramped confinement, endless travelling, training to do ‘tricks’ and performing on command. They suffer extreme stress, deprivation, depression and boredom; robbed of the freedom to express their natural instincts among their own kind.”

“In line with global trends, we would like to see circuses evolve in South Africa to celebrating amazing human artistic skills, as seen in the popular Cirque de Soleil, and respecting the rights of animals not to be used or abused for our entertainment.

“This is a campaign against the exploitation of all animals for profit and entertainment purposes and not a personal attack on any particular circus.

“It is particularly sad that the show in Kempton Park is being hosted on a school sports field, entrenching the idea that it is acceptable to disrespect and demean others for our own pleasure, when we should be teaching the next generation compassion and respect for all.”

Ban Animal Trading called on all South Africans to support animal-free circuses that provide compassionate fun for the whole family.

David McLaren, owner of the circus, said: “The biggest miss perception about circus animals is that people think the animals are being captured from their mothers in the wild at a very young age. This is completely untrue as all animals in circus in SA is purchased from registered breeders and are born from generations of animals born in captivity.

“Another is that circus animals are being hurt in order to train them. You simply cannot make any animal do something, not even a house cat. All circus animals are trained by means of positive reinforcement, patience and love. All animals receive a reward and praise for positive actions displayed. “Negative behaviour is simply ignored. With time and patience the animal will understand the command and reward. Animals are also trained using their own natural abilities observed by the trainer. Their natural abilities are developed to become the act seen by the public.

“Circus big cats such as lions and tigers, which have been captive born and hand raised, have become accustomed to circus life from a very young age. They are given regular training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques, which also acts as environmental enrichment.

“At no time have any animals shown any signs of stress, including aggression, crouching and snarling with ears pulled back, trying to hide. They always respond well to trainers, often coming to greet them. Lying quietly in a play pen comes naturally to lions and tigers as they do sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day.

“Natural behaviour are generally driven by need. Captive bred cats have no need to hunt, as their food is provided. Circus cats have their own territory, which they do not feel the need to protect, as they cannot detect any rivals in the vicinity. Reproduction has also been halted with the use of small hormone implants under the skin.

“The males, therefore, have no desire to fight over females or mate, as the females do not come into season.

“Circus animals have a role to play in exposing people to animals which rely on humans for their ongoing conservation. Many people have no other opportunity to experience these animals, and an animal encounter may spawn a fascination and love for nature, which can positively influence conservation efforts.

“Circus animals stir emotions, both positive and negative, and one is tempted to take an anthropomorphic approach. This is incorrect as animals do not think, feel and act as humans do.

“One should take an objective approach, looking at the physical condition and mental state of the animals, as well as whether they are displaying behaviours which we logically expect from animals which have adapted to their surroundings.

“The presentation of animals has always been an important part of the circus tradition and remains symbolic of the circus for millions of people. Stringent regulations and inspection systems make it possible to protect the classical and traditional circus as a cultural institution while simultaneously ensuring that animals’ health and welfare needs are being met.

“In South Africa the exhibiting and training of performing animals are regulated by The Performing Animal Protection Act. Our circus animals are inspected in every town we visit, they receive a monthly veterinarian visit. All our animals are in perfect health.

“This is important because a circus is a very special kind of performing art. It offers not only the possibility for high quality artistic expression but also a performance that families can experience and enjoy together.

“People will probably always go to circuses for recreation and to see the animals, so in the process they should be educated also, and it is the behaviour of the animals that provides the education,” McLaren said.

Some of the comments posted on the article:

Sandra wrote: “We already bought our tickets yesterday for tonight and are so excited.”

Vanessa: “NO ONE should be supporting the abuse that is an animal circus! Wild animals belong in the wild, or in a sanctuary after spending their miserable lives in a circus. Don’t support this cruelty, and don’t offer a prize where your readers can support it either.”

Petrus Le Roux wrote: “Please explain to me how animals can have the same rights as humans? You people have lost the plot totally. I’m all for animal welfare and do believe that animals should be treated well and if they are well at a zoo or a circus, then it’s fine, you should be happy that they are cared for.”

Magriet wrote: “Ek glo nie een van die mense wat so baie te sê het oor die sirkus is eers van Kempton af nie, want as hulle was, sal hulle weet dat Kempton en ons mense die tente altyd vol pak en die diere was nog altyd baie mooi.”

Nicole Brown wrote:

“We are not in the friggin dark ages. LEAVE animals out of the circus. Rather support Cirque du Soleil. The days are numbered for this kind of exploitation show. Or live in happy ignorant bliss with your candy floss, Coke and hot dog…”

Aletta wrote: “I really hate these people who always shout animal abuse, even saw on their page called Ban Animal Trading that they hate anything and anyone who owns pets, hate pet shops, etc. Attending a circus or anything that uses animals is a personal choice.

“If you don’t like it, then stay away. No need to be rude and accuse people of things just because you don’t like it. Nobody is holding a gun to your head. It’s really that simple. Every pet and everyone you don’t like abuse animals, everyone except you who also own pets.”

Susan Mallia wrote:

“The use of animals against their will is one of the lowest forms of cruelty. Tearing these defencelessly animals from their families and natural environments to endure a life of slavery, cruelty, isolation and emotional abuse, is just a life of misery. I would never go to any institution that puts animals on show, especially not a circus where animals are forced to constantly perform unnatural acts.”

Bertus wrote: “We’ve been inspecting this circus for many many years in the Gauteng region. All can relax, as I can assure you all is good with their animals.”

Liesl wrote: “According to McLaren Circus they use the reward based training method. If this is true, there should be no whips or sticks used during a performance and no animal should be forced to do tricks. Now, I was wondering, why the photos on their Facebook page displaying whips and sticks – even for the horses? I hope I am wrong … I will not go to the circus – it’s a personal choice.”

Gary Breytenbach wrote: “I love the McLaren Circus. I always look forward to them visiting Kempton Park. If anything, this circus has changed the face of circus and animal care in SA. Well done, McLaren Circus. Can’t wait to see the all new show.”

Franzette wrote: “We will also be going to the circus. We can’t wait for it, thank you for visiting again despite the few that are against it.”

Colin wrote: “My wife always says, rather keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool than opening your mouth and proof that you are a fool. Dis so waar vir Ardele en Carol se gedagtes. Ons gaan sirkus toe!”

Frans van Rensburg wrote: “I don’t support animal abuse but I saw this circus in Krugersdorp a while ago and their animals really looked amazing. No animal can look so good if its being abused. Sorry.