McLaren Circus faces scrutiny from animal rights groups over permits
The Cape Argus team previously gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the McLaren Circus in Milnerton, where animal rights activists, including Beauty Without Cruelty, are protesting against the use of wild animals in captivity.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Animal rights organisations are challenging how McLaren Circus is being allowed to operate, while the City has confirmed its permit legitimacy.
The circus is currently stationed at a site in Milnerton for its annual tour.
Animal rights organisation, Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC), which is set to carry out protests, said it approached the mayor’s office earlier this month, questioning how the circus obtained its permits.
“Despite formal communication sent to the mayor’s office on April 17 2026, BWC confirms that no substantive response has been received, and key questions remain unanswered,” said Chad Cupido, Executive Officer of BWC South Africa.
"These include the confinement of animals to restricted and unnatural environments, the stress of repeated transport and performance, the inability to meet species-specific behavioural and social needs, and the broader ethical concern of training animals to perform for human entertainment.”
The City of Cape Town confirmed the circus is operating legally.
“The City’s Events Permit Office is guided by the Events By-law and national legislation in reviewing permit applications,” the City said in its response.
“The McLaren Circus is compliant with requirements for the Events By-law, as well as those required by national legislation.
“The event organiser is in possession of a licence issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in terms of Performing Animal Protection Act, as well as a permit issued by CapeNature to import and transport protected wild animals for show purposes.
“In addition to the above supporting documents, the SPCA conducted an on-site inspection at the circus, which forms part of the requirements for permit conditions."
David McLaren, the owner of the circus who previously invited the Cape Argus to their premises, has over 30 staff members, as well as poodles, lamas, camels, tigers, and lions on site.
He said he was challenging BWC claims: “The concerning part is, this man (BWC) is claiming on social media that we are operating illegally.
Animal rights activists demonstrating in front of the McLaren Circus in Bellville previously.
Image: file
“He is saying we do not have permits, and he is questioning the legitimacy of my business. He is saying in his statements that this will be our last year. We are in possession of all our permits.”
McLaren also clarified that a complaint opened by them to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) that protests blocked entrances and impacted noise pollution in Johannesburg was dismissed.
Belinda Abraham, communications for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said while it opposed the use of wild animals in circuses, it was not illegal unless it was in contravention of the Animals Protection Act No.71 of 1962 or the Performing Animals Protection Act.
“The SPCA continues our efforts to lobby the local government to prevent the issuance of permits within the City of Cape Town," she said.