THE BALLOON MAN

 

Animal activists protest against the use of animals in circuses
circus says that their animals are well taken care of and trained.(REUTERS)


from: sabc.co.za

Jurie Blignaut

Saturday 28 December 2013

The circus is in town, but not everybody is going. The McLaren circus has set up the Big Top in Port Elizabeth and the show that is put up includes wild animals like tigers and lions, raising the ire of animal rights activists.



Groups of activists held a silent protest against the use of animals in circuses and animals in captivity. The protesters say they are not just targeting this circus but captivity of wild and cruelty against animals in general. They want the public to become the voice for these animals.
However, it is more than just taking a stand.
" We are trying to make people aware of this with the hope that if it is done countrywide, like it is, that we can eventually address it with legislation. Now we are a leading country with legislation, we have gay marriages, women's rights, we need to take a lead on animal rights,” says animal activist Linda Lewis-Swan.
The animals are an integral part of the business.
McLaren Circus says their animals are part of the family and receive excellent care. The circus says they are trained through positive re-inforcement and not by instilling fear and that they are running their business within the prescripts of the law. Circus owner David Mc Laren says he is not considering getting rid of any of the animals.
“The animals are an integral part of the business. The people who are against the circus are against all zoos, against all animals in captivity and not just the circus. But the paying customer who supports the circus enjoys seeing our animals and understands our animals are cared for and loved and are part of the business,” he explains.
Animals, especially the big cats, have always played a central role in circus shows. Even to this day it remains a big draw card.
Some of the local people say that the circus helps children in knowing different kinds of animals.

fromhttp://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/2cc79d00425a480fa7b7ff56d5ffbd92/Animal-activists-protest-against-the-use-of-animals-in-circuses