Circus owner: ‘We will not be intimidated by this extremist’

“We will not be intimidated by this extremist. Our animals are part of the family and receive the best welfare and care at all times.”

Speaking is David McLaren, owner of McLaren Circus, which played to a full house in Van Riebeeck Park on Wednesday night.

Following the show many residents commented on an earlier article on www.kemptonexpress.co.za, saying what a great night out they had.

Comments on this article, expressing views for and against circus animals, are still streaming in.

McLaren said Samaragda Louw from Ban Animal Trading was an animal rights extremist who harassed the McLaren Circus every Saturday afternoon thoughout its tour in Gauteng.

The group also plans a protest at the circus on Saturday afternoon.

“She is merely contacting your newspaper to create sensation and a hype for her poorly attended protests that lead to nothing. She is against pet ownership and pet trading, so I’m sure she is against most animal lovers/pet owners in Kempton Park too,” he said.”McLaren Circus loves and cares for all its animals. Our animals are trained by means of positive reinforcement and receive enrichment daily through training and other daily activities. Our animals are constantly monitored by specialised veterinarians across South Africa to ensure they are in good health. We are also constantly inspected by animal welfare organisations.

“None of our animals come from the wild. They all born in captivity.

“Samaragda Louw thinks we should be like Cirque du Soleil. Well, we are a traditional circus and traditional circuses include animals. Animals remain very popular in circuses worldwide and here in South Africa too.

“And for the record, Big Concerts cancelled the Cirque du Soleil 2014 tour to RSA due to lack of ticket sales.

“Samaragda Louw has no prove or evidence that our animals suffer depression and stress. She is simply spreading lies and fear to gain support for her animal rights campaigns. She also thinks all zoos and animal parks should closed down. Well, she doesn’t seem to be doing much for our poor rhinos?

“McLaren Circus will no doubt attract more support than her in Kempton Park. I would encourage the community to come down to the circus to see our beautiful animals and international circus artists for themselves.

“Come make up your own mind, before listening to the lies and hate of Samaragda Louw who is against you for eating meat and owning a pet.

“A special thanks to the school who once again rented us this very safe and secure grounds.”

Louw once again stressed that Ban Animal Trading was opposed to all animal circuses and had arranged various peaceful demonstrations against travelling animal circuses in South Africa, with a view to educating the public to the sad plight of the animals, who had no choice in the matter, unlike the performing humans.

“The physical condition of the animals cannot reveal the underlying stress and depression that these animals suffer through constant travelling in all weather in cramped conditions, cramped confinement and lifelong captivity with little enrichment, and the inability to express themselves naturally and interact socially with their own kind.

“It is akin to a life sentence in prison, with no hope of parole. The recent incident where a tiger attacked a worker is a clear indication of the frustration suffered. Worldwide, with good reason and much documented evidence, many countries are banning the use of animals in circuses, and it is hoped that South Africa will soon join their ranks,” Louw said.

“Travelling animal circuses offer no educational value, and in fact, they allow people to think that animals have no value and it is acceptable to disrespect and demean them. We are even more disappointed that a school has allowed this circus to perform on their grounds, as we should be teaching the youth values of respect and compassion instead.”