Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Animal rights groups have declared the recent protests against the use of wild animals in circuses a major success when Plettenberg Bay was visited by the well-known McLaren Circus over the weekend, as some gatherings garnered more support than the circus itself.

While circus owners admitted that the protests were better supported in Plettenberg Bay compared to similar action during shows elsewhere, they say it was not as peaceful as animal rights activists claim.

Following the circus’ announcement that it would host four shows in the town between 18 and 20 January, there was a major outcry from activists who label the use of wild animals for entertainment as cruelty. This sparked not only a petition against the circus, which received more than 5 000 signatures, but also protest action at every show.

Action 'well supported'
Ban Animal Trading (Bat) South Africa organised protests outside the Plett venue on each show date and these were well supported, despite a rainy start to the action on Friday.

Bat director Kathey Raffray said that on the first night it appeared that the protestors outnumbered the visitors to the circus.

There were about 50 protestors lined up outside the Plettenberg Bay Rugby Club, where the shows were hosted, on any given day. On Friday 18 January the protestors gathered at the venue despite a downpour ahead of the show. Some of them came with extra ponchos, which were distributed among those gathered to keep them dry.

About 50 protestors gathered in Plettenberg Bay in the rain on Friday 18 January to make their voices heard against the use of wild animals for human entertainment by the McLaren Circus. Photo: Yolandé Stander

“Before the protests, our representatives explained to everyone the code of conduct which included that the protest had to be silent and peaceful. Despite it being an emotional issue, protestors adhered to the rules,” Raffray said.

'Not all peaceful'
Circus owner David McLaren refuted these claims, saying there were several incidents involving protestors. “We had incidents where animal rights activists removed our paid-for advertising. These were our posters on lamp posts across town. We also had people removing the poster we had put up in various shops. These business owners were intimidated by individuals and forced to remove the posters,” McLaren said.

He added that some protestors did not adhere to the peaceful nature of the protest and booed visitors on arrival. “They also shouted at some visitors that they were supporting animal abuse by attending the shows.”

Despite this, he said, about 150 people came to watch the show on the first night, 220 and 350 respectively the following day and about 105 on the final day.

Bat is against animals being used for human entertainment and financial gain. Raffray said their approach is from an animal rights perspective and not a welfare one.

The circus has since packed up and left Plettenberg Bay for its next destination, but plans are already in place to stage similar action for its next stop. “Our representative in George will be coordinating protests there too,” said Rafray.

The McLaren Circus will be in Oudtshoorn for two days before doing six shows in George from 24 to 27 January.

McLaren reiterated earlier statements that their animals are not subject to abuse and flourish with the circus. He said they adhere to all animal welfare regulations.