Animal rights organisation Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) unequivocally denied allegations of human-rights infringements made against them by McLaren Circus following a protest last week, saying the allegations seek to distract from the real issue at hand – the ethical treatment of animals.
On 23 March a group of protesters, which included children, protested outside the circus in Brackenfell.
In a statement to TygerBurger, McLaren public relations officer Karl Hildebrand said these “activists” were totally ignorant of animal, let alone human, rights.
“We were in absolute disbelief at what we witnessed,” he said. “In Human Rights Month [March] BWC bussed in a group of people, many evidently under-age, from the Valley of Plenty community, a disadvantaged one on the Cape Flats, allocating posters and making them protest.
“We witnessed Chad Cupido instruct the group and placed them, where they need to stand. It was clear these are neither supporters nor regular protesters… Getting them excited about attending something away from their usual surroundings and then making them hold up signs and chant after whatever was said on the loudspeaker, outside the premises…”
Hildebrand referred 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.
Taking ‘advantage’
He alleged 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, and they protested from 14:00 to 16:00 in the midday heat. 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 had left.”
He stated the circus brought this to City of Cape Town’s attention, of possible human rights violations, but it was supporting BWS’s objective to infringe on McLaren’s right as a circus and those of circus goers to assemble in accordance to Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights.
“The right to assembly speaks to being able to attend the circus peacefully. BWC stood at our entrance infringing the right of those attending our circus to human dignity. Moreover, those attending were not conducting themselves in a wrong or foolish manner, as McLaren Circus operates and acts within the parameters of our law.”
In response to the allegations, BWC founder Toni Brockhoven said the organisation aimed to raise awareness of the plight of circus animals during their protests.
“Beauty Without Cruelty remains steadfast in our commitment to animal welfare and ethical treatment. Our protest against McLaren Circus on 23 March aimed to raise awareness of 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 circuses 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 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. We denounce these accusations and stand by our inclusive approach to advocacy.
“BWC’s activism is rooted in education, compassion and the pursuit of justice for all beings. We believe in the power of community engagement and the fundamental right to peaceful protest.
“We invite open dialogue with all parties, including McLaren Circus, to address these concerns constructively. Our focus remains on advocating for a world where entertainment does not come at the expense of animal welfare.”
The City of Cape Town confirmed it received a notice of the mentioned protest on 18 March and issued a permit for the gathering.
The permit indicated participants could gather on William Dabbs Street on the grass verge area closest to Bracekenfell Boulevard bridge on 23 March from 14:00 to 15:00. Various conditions were imposed.
- This circus has since moved to Muizenberg where a group of protesters gathered again on Thursday, 4 April
