Tensions are rising in Milnerton as a travelling circus becomes the centre of a growing standoff between animal rights activists and authorities, with legality confirmed but ethical concerns dominating the conversation.
McLaren Circus has set up in the area as part of its annual tour, drawing crowds as well as scrutiny from advocacy groups, according to reports. While the show continues to operate, opposition has been steadily building.
Animal rights organisation Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) has been at the forefront of the criticism, questioning how the circus secured permission to operate. The group says it reached out to the mayor’s office earlier this month but has yet to receive clarity.
‘Despite formal communication sent to the mayor’s office on April 17 2026, BWC confirms that no substantive response has been received, and key questions remain unanswered,’ said Chad Cupido, Executive Officer of BWC South Africa.
BWC argues that the issue goes far beyond paperwork, raising concerns about the treatment and living conditions of animals used in performances.
‘These include the confinement of animals to restricted and unnatural environments, the stress of repeated transport and performance, the inability to meet species-specific behavioural and social needs, and the broader ethical concern of training animals to perform for human entertainment,’ he said.
City officials have, however, made it clear that the circus is operating within the law.
‘The City’s Events Permit Office is guided by the Events By-law and national legislation in reviewing permit applications,’ the City said.
‘The McLaren Circus is compliant with requirements for the Events By-law, as well as those required by national legislation.
‘The event organiser is in possession of a licence issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in terms of the Performing Animal Protection Act, as well as a permit issued by CapeNature to import and transport protected wild animals for show purposes.
‘In addition to the above supporting documents, the SPCA conducted an on-site inspection at the circus, which forms part of the requirements for permit conditions.’
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Owner David McLaren has strongly rejected claims that his business is operating unlawfully, saying misinformation on social media has been damaging.
‘The concerning part is, this man (BWC) is claiming on social media that we are operating illegally. He is saying we do not have permits, and he is questioning the legitimacy of my business. He is saying in his statements that this will be our last year. We are in possession of all our permits,’ he said.
He also noted that a previous complaint linked to protest disruptions in Johannesburg, which was taken to the South African Human Rights Commission, was ultimately dismissed.
While the legal position appears clear, the ethical debate has continued to gain traction. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA reiterated its stance against the use of wild animals in circuses, even though current laws still permit it under certain conditions.
‘The SPCA continues our efforts to lobby the local government to prevent the issuance of permits within the City of Cape Town,’ said communications representative Belinda Abraham.
On Saturday, 25 April, the issue moved from debate to demonstration as BWC led a peaceful protest against the use of animals in circuses. A total of 51 people gathered in solidarity, a number that coincidentally reflects 51 years of the organisation’s existence as South Africa’s oldest animal rights group.
The protest remained calm and focused, bringing together members of the animal welfare and rights community alongside supporters who share concerns about the industry. Their message was clear: animals should not be used for entertainment.
Moments from the demonstration have since circulated widely online. One video captured a lion staring directly into the camera, not performing, but simply observing, a moment that many say highlights the deeper questions being raised about captivity and spectacle.
Footage shared by a participating organisation has gained significant attention, drawing over 25 000 views and more than 100 shares, with the public actively engaging in the discussion.
For organisers, the protest was about more than numbers. It represented consistency, longevity and a continued push to shift public thinking.
The demonstration forms part of a broader campaign aimed at increasing awareness, engaging the City, and aligning local practices with a global shift away from the use of animals in circuses.
Further peaceful protests have already been scheduled, with the next gatherings set to take place on Saturday, 2 May 2026 and Sunday, 3 May 2026, both running from 2pm to 3pm.
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Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images
