‘WE ARE DISAPPOINTED’ – SPCA RESPONDS TO CITY OF CAPE TOWN REINSTATING McLAREN CIRCUS PERMIT
Source: News24 (Extract)
Posted: April 2, 2022
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has expressed its disappointment after the City of Cape Town reinstated the McLaren Circus permit.
On Monday, the SPCA issued a warning to the circus after finding several violations of the Animals Protection Act and the Performing Animals Protection Act at the premises.
The organisation had given the circus 48 hours to rectify some of the faults found. Still, by Tuesday, the City had already withdrawn its permit with immediate effect following the report by the SPCA.
Chief inspector and spokesperson for the SPCA, Jaco Pieterse, said that while they understood the City needed to be reasonable and allow the circus to rectify the concerns found, they were “disappointed” in the decision to reinstate the permit.
The circus was shut down on Tuesday, however, the City reinstated its event permit on Wednesday, much to the circus management’s delight.
“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 Wednesday, the SPCA returned to the circus with an independent wildlife veterinarian, and a second warning was issued following the inspection. Several concerns were found, and the independent veterinarian agreed with the findings of the SPCA.
“All the concerns raised, I’ve tried to go above and beyond to rectify them. We had to have our three poodle dog’s teeth seen to; this cost us over R8 000, but 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.”
“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.
The City previously said they had withdrawn the permit after the SPCA issued the circus with a notice of alleged contraventions of the Animals Protection Act.
“The reinstated permit has been issued subject to compliance with the conditions set out by the SPCA,” said the City at the time.
The SPCA said it remains opposed to wild animals in circuses and will ensure that they comply with the Animals Protection Act and Performing Animals Protection Act.