Animal rights organisation Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) unequivocally denied allegations of human rights infringements brought against them by McLaren Circus following a protest last week, saying the allegations seek to distract from the real issues at hand – the ethical treatment of animals.
On 23 March a group of protesters that included children, protested outside the circus, in Brackenfell.
In a statement to TygerBurger, public relations officer from the circus Karl Hildebrandt stated that these activists in the “name of animal rights” are totally ignorant of human rights.
“We were in absolute disbelief in what we witnessed. In Human Rights Month, BWC bussed in a group of people, many evidently under age, from Valley of Plenty community, a community from a disadvantaged background, on the Cape Flats allocating posters and making them protest,” he said.
“We witnessed Chad Cupido instruct the group and place them where they need to stand. It was clear that these are not supporters, nor regularly attend protests . . . Getting them excited about attending something out of their usual surroundings and then making them hold up signs and chant after whatever was said on the loud speaker, outside the premises.”
Children taken advantage
Karl refers to the Bill of Rights where it states that children under the age of 18 are not permitted to provide services that are inappropriate for a person of that child’s age; or place at risk the child’s well-being, education, physical or mental health or spiritual, moral or social development.
He alleges that BWC took advantage of these children, requiring them to provide services to BWC and placing their well-being in jeopardy, where cars were driving in and out at the entrance to the circus.
“The drive from Hanover Park is around 30 minutes, they protested from 14:00 to 16:00 in the heat of midday. No ablution facilities were provided by the conveners of the gathering. We witnessed how children were squatting in the bushes outside the property to relieve themselves, further removing the very little human dignity they have.”
He stated that the circus brought to City of Cape Town’s attention possible human rights violations, but that the City was supporting BWS’s objective to infringe on their right as a circus and those of circus goers to assemble in accordance to Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights.
Raising awareness
In response to the allegations founder of BWC Toni Brockhoven says that BWC aimed to raise awareness about the plight of circus animals during their protests.
“Beauty Without Cruelty remains steadfast in our commitment to animal welfare and ethical treatment. Our recent protest against McLaren Circus on 23 March, aimed to raise awareness about the plight of animals used in circuses, a cause deeply ingrained in our mission for nearly half a century.”
According to Brockhoven all the participants in the said protest did so with full understanding and willingness, with signed parental consent from the parents of the minors.
“Proceeding the event BWC conducted workshops discussing animal-free circusses and peaceful protests ethics. Participation was voluntary, with signed parental consent for minors. BWC ensured the protest remained legal, peaceful, and child-friendly. Coordination with law enforcement confirmed that our conduct was within legal bounds, without necessitating intervention. Claims of paying participants are unfounded and offensive. Such statements undermine the genuine concern and activism of those who stand with us,” she concludes.
In response to the allegations made against the City, a spokesperson said the City received notice of the mentioned protest on 18 March and issued a permit for the gathering.
“The permit indicated that participants could gather on William Dabbs Street on the grass verge area closest to Brackenfell Boulevard Bridge on 23 March 2024 from 14:00 till 15:00. Various conditions were imposed. The City can confirm that there were no contraventions for this specific gathering, however we have been informed of some patrons who felt intimidated by the group and have therefore added the following additional permit conditions for any future Beauty Without Cruelty gatherings: the participants are to remain 100 metres away from the circus and a loudhailer is to be used only to address the participants in the gathering and under no circumstances may be used to intimidate, hinder or in any way address members of the public and specifically persons attending the circus.
“It is therefore important to note that the issuing of gathering permits is by no means an indication of the municipality’s support towards the objectives or intent of any protest planned by an organisation and is done strictly in accordance with the provision of the Regulations of Gatherings Act,” the spokesperson said.
