The McLaren Circus has been in hot water after the Cape of Good Hope SPCA uncovered various animal welfare contraventions upon inspection.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse and Inspector Jeffrey Mfini approached the Circus on Monday, 28 March 2022 following reports by IOL regarding a group of protesters who gathered in Muizenberg over the weekend with placards that read “the circus is NOT fun for animals”.
Even though the circus management granted access, they reportedly denied the Cape of Good Hope SPCA the right to take photographs of the cages and concerns found.
The animal welfare organisation then issued a warning after the inspection yielded at least six contraventions of the Animal Protection Act, some of which needed to be addressed within 48 hours and others within 7 days.
The contraventions listed includes no access to drinking water for a lioness, who was found confined to the front compartment of the trailer housing/transporting the big cats, the dental state of three French Poodles and whether these dogs are fit for performance purposes, as well as no environmental enrichment for the big cats. “The wooden log currently being provided to the big cats in each exercise area is insufficient,” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA reports.
In addition to this, the animal enclosures/cages of the animals were found to be unhygienic, and an evident fly problem was brought into light, which needed to be addressed urgently.
“The warning was issued in terms of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 169 of 1993. Failure to comply with this warning may render McLaren Circus liable for prosecution under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and / or Performing Animals Protection Act 24 of 1935,” the animal welfare organisation adds.
However, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has since expressed its disappointment after the City of Cape Town reinstated the McLaren Circus’ permit.
The circus was shut down on Tuesday but the City reinstated its event permit on Wednesday, much to the circus management’s delight and protesters horror.
“We are disappointed, however, we are pleased that the City had taken swift action when the SPCA brought the initial concerns to their attention. They immediately withdrew the permit and implemented stricter conditions, forcing the circus to comply,” said Pieterse.
On the day of reinstatement, the SPCA returned to the circus with an independent veterinarian. Several concerns were witnessed and a second warning was issued, reports News24.
These include:
- Lions and Bengal tigers needing environmental enrichment;
- The snout of the large Burmese python being cause for concern, which should be examined by an exotic species veterinarian specialising in exotic snakes within 48 hours;
- Three Burmese pythons are housed together in a wooden box, which does not provide them with enough space or ventilation. Their diet of chicken drumsticks was also deemed as insufficient.
A follow up was then conducted on Thursday by the City, Law Enforcement and the SPCA. Pieterse confirmed that the only outstanding issues were the environmental enrichment for the lions and tigers, and correcting the issues of the snake wooden boxes.
Meanwhile, Circus founder David McLaren told News24 that he understands the concerns raised. “Yes, we feed them [the snakes] raw chickens because we cannot find frozen rats for them. Where we can find the rats, we feed them to the snakes.” Diet aside, one snake had to be put on a nebuliser for its well-being.
McLaren then went on to emphasise that he spent R8000 on three poodle dog’s teeth. “I’m a circus owner, and it is my responsibility to see to the health of my animals. We are finding common ground with the SPCA,” he said after multiple warnings were issued leading up to the vet visit.
“We will continue to conduct regular check-ups at the circus to make sure they comply with the Animals Protection Act and Performing Animals Protection Act,” the SPCA said.
As it stands, the circus is open for business and scheduled performances have reportedly seen a 50% venue capacity turn out. McLaren said that once other venues have been confirmed, the circus plans on visiting other provinces. “The circus is currently HIGH in demand, be sure to purchase your tickets early, as shows are selling out,” it says on Instagram.
Also read:
McLaren Circus issued with a warning after SPCA uncovers several contraventions
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