A group of protesters gathered in Edenvale outside the McLaren Circus in Hurlyvale Park over the weekend to protest against the use of animals in the circus shows.
Two protests were held on Saturday, and one on Sunday with protesters holding signs with messages such as, ‘Caged = Stolen Freedom = Cruelty’.
According to Bedfordview and Edenvale News, the protester permit was then withdrawn but was later reinstated, after a meeting with conveners at the site in Hurlyvale Park.
The first protest was noisy and a motorist can be heard hooting in apparent support of the protestors in the video above.
While the protesters expressed their views, Natasha Bird who attended the circus with her mom, sister and niece explained that they didn’t see ‘any animals in a bad condition’ and that she and her family supported the show.
McLaren Circus explains on its website that its animals ‘are transported comfortably between venues. Careful attention is focused on their diets. They exercise, are groomed and their enclosures are kept clean daily. Veterinary care and good nutrition is also provided for our animals.’
Speaking about the protesters after the permit to protest was reinstated, Eddie Hart from Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department in Edenvale said: ‘They can proceed as long as they adhere to the conditions of Section 205. It includes keeping a distance of 100 metres from the circus activities. Protestors are not allowed to intrude onto the road and there must be no hooting. The Road Traffic Act only allows the use of a hooter in case of an emergency.’
Sunday’s protest was quieter with some protestors holding their fingers to their lips.
The protests follow a worldwide move that frowns upon animal captivity and the use of animals for human entertainment. Recently TripAdvisor and Booking.com announced that they will no longer sell tickets to attractions that feature whales and dolphins in captivity, or to circus shows. Airbnb has a similar policy and recently launched its ‘ethical animal experiences’.
Also read: Travel sites stop selling tickets to captive animal performances
Image: Unsplash
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