Animal activists protest at circus

04/07/2015. Animal activists protest against the use of animals at the McClaren Circus that is taking place in the city Picture: Masi Losi

04/07/2015. Animal activists protest against the use of animals at the McClaren Circus that is taking place in the city Picture: Masi Losi

Published Jul 6, 2015

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Pretoria - A handful of activists protested on Saturday near the McLaren Circus in the city.

The McLaren family circus is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with shows in the big top erected on land near the intersection of Stanza Bopape and End streets.

The protesters – under the banner of Ban Animal Circuses – were holding up placards reading “Not born to perform” and “Your fun, misery for animals.”

Organiser Cathy Watson said the aim of the protest was to educate the public about animal cruelty associated with circuses.

Watson said they hoped to “plant a seed of enlightenment”, and that the public would refrain from supporting entertainment that exploited animals for profit.

“We hope that while people are there, they will give some thought to the matter and hopefully do some research later, and break free from traditions (of performing animals) that are no are longer relevant,” she said.

According to Watson, elephants’ spirits were broken in training by a bull hook. “They do tricks because they’re afraid of the bull hook.

“It’s (training) by fear and intimidation,” she said.

But not everyone shares her sentiments.

Steven Douglas, a circus enthusiast from Pretoria West, said he had been following the circus, and in some cases working for it, for years and had never seen trainers or handlers abusing the animals.

“I think they should get their facts straight,” he said of the protesters. “These animals were never taken out of the wild like they say. They were born in captivity, and they get the best veterinary care.

McLaren Circus management could not be reached for comment.

When the circus was in Cape Town, the owner laid a charge of trespassing and intimidation against an animal rights activist who allegedly threatened to set the lions and tigers free.

Pretoria News

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