The debate in Milnerton has escalated over the use of animals in travelling circuses, with McLaren Circus strongly opposing allegations made by Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa (BWC).
The circus maintains that it is fully compliant with all legal and welfare requirements, while activists continue to raise concerns about animal confinement, transport, and ethics.
Over the weekend, protesters gathered in a peaceful demonstration in Milnerton, symbolically marking the organisation’s 51 years of advocacy.
The protest forms part of an ongoing campaign calling for an end to animal performances and greater transparency from the City of Cape Town. McLaren Circus has firmly rejected claims of mistreatment, arguing that its operations are lawful, regulated, and subject to regular oversight. Representative Karl Hildebrant said the circus is frustrated by what it sees as misrepresentation of its practices.
“Before addressing activist claims, I would ask what the City of Cape Town is officially saying about this from an eventing perspective,” he said. “It is extremely irresponsible for private activist groups to make allegations as if they are spokespeople for the City.”
He stressed that the circus operates within a strict legal framework.
“The City governs through strict bylaws, event compliance regulations, and permits,” Hildebrant said. “If we were not compliant with the law, or if there were valid concerns regarding our operations or animal welfare, law enforcement and City event management would have enforced a closure long ago. Our continued legal operation in the public eye is objective proof of our compliance.”
Veterinary oversight
According to McLaren Circus, its operations are regularly monitored and include veterinary oversight, transport regulations, and permit conditions linked to national legislation governing performing animals.
The organisation argues that these measures ensure animal welfare standards are met.
A key point of dispute has been footage circulated on social media, which BWC says raises concerns about confinement and animal wellbeing. McLaren Circus disputes this interpretation, saying such material often lacks context.
“Relying on edited footage or claims from outside parties with an agenda does not provide a factual scope,” Hildebrant said.
He argued that short clips do not reflect the broader care routines, training schedules, or behaviour patterns of the animals.
Public attendance has also been used by the circus as evidence of support.
“Since arriving in Cape Town on 20 March, we have performed for over 20 000 supporters,” Hildebrant said.
“This past weekend alone, we had 2 250 people attend our shows. In contrast, we counted approximately 43 protesters.”
He added: “That is a ratio of 52 circus supporters for every one protester. The true public interest lies with the thousands of families who enjoy our show, and their voices must be represented in any balanced piece.”
McLaren Circus further argues that social media activity does not accurately reflect public sentiment.
“Using social media as a baseline for local support is fundamentally flawed,” Hildebrant said. “Views are easily skewed and do not reflect physical attendance.”
City confirms compliance and permits
The City of Cape Town has confirmed that McLaren Circus is compliant with applicable legislation. Officials stated: “The Events Permit Office is guided by the Events By-law and national legislation in reviewing permit applications.” The City added that the circus “is compliant with requirements for the Events By-law, as well as those required by national legislation.”
It further confirmed that McLaren Circus holds a licence issued under the Performing Animal Protection Act, as well as permits from CapeNature for the transport and use of animals. The SPCA also conducted an on-site inspection as part of the approval process.
“The permit office is satisfied that the circus is compliant and has been issued with an event permit,” the City said.
BWC raises concerns
BWC, however, maintains that serious concerns remain unresolved. The organisation argues that its campaign is centred on animal welfare, transparency, and ethical accountability.
Executive officer Chad Cupido said the issue extends beyond a single operator. “It’s about accountability and whether the City’s actions align with its stated animal-welfare direction,” he said.
The organisation has raised concerns about confinement conditions, transport stress, and whether animals’ behavioural and social needs are being adequately met. It has also called for greater clarity around land use and permitting in Milnerton, particularly where City-linked property may be involved.
BWC has escalated its concerns to the SPCA, requesting further investigation into animal housing conditions, frequency of transport, and welfare oversight. It argues that public authorities must ensure consistent enforcement of animal welfare standards and transparent communication with the public.
Divided public opinion
Public reaction in Milnerton remains divided. Some residents say they were influenced by activist content and express concern for the animals.
One resident said, “I feel sorry for the animals. Seeing those videos online really changed how I think about circuses.”
Others support the circus as a legitimate form of entertainment.
Another resident said, “If everything is legal and the animals are well cared for, then I don’t see the problem. But there needs to be transparency.”
Ongoing protests
As the debate continues, BWC has confirmed further protests are planned, calling for ongoing public engagement.
“This weekend is another critical moment,” Cupido said. “There is a strong sense that people are no longer comfortable with animals being used for entertainment.”
He added that public pressure may shape future decisions.
“There is a strong sense that this could be the last chapter for animal circuses in Cape Town,” he said, “but that depends on whether the City is willing to act, and whether the public is willing to show up.”
The circus invited TygerBurger to a tour of its facilities on Monday, but at the time of going to print, the publication had not been able to attend.
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