McLaren Circus has become the centre of a heated animal rights debate after setting up in Milnerton as part of its annual tour.

The travelling circus has drawn crowds, but it has also triggered strong criticism from animal welfare group Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa.

The group has questioned how the circus received approval to operate and raised concerns about the use of animals in live entertainment.

Activists Want Answers

Beauty Without Cruelty said it contacted the mayor’s office on 17 April 2026 but had not received a substantive response.

Chad Cupido, Executive Officer of Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa, said key questions about the approval process remain unanswered.

The organisation said its concerns go beyond permits. It pointed to the confinement of animals, repeated transport and performance stress, as well as concerns about whether animals’ behavioural and social needs can be met in a circus setting.

Cupido also raised broader ethical concerns around training animals to perform for human entertainment.

City Says Circus is Compliant

The City of Cape Town has pushed back against claims that the circus is operating unlawfully.

The City said its Events Permit Office reviews applications in line with the Events By-law and national legislation.

It confirmed that McLaren Circus meets the requirements of the Events By-law and national legislation. The City also said the circus has a licence from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment under the Performing Animal Protection Act.

The circus also has a CapeNature permit to import and transport protected wild animals for show purposes.

The City added that the SPCA conducted an on-site inspection as part of the permit conditions.

Owner Rejects Illegal Claims

Circus owner David McLaren has denied claims that the business is operating illegally.

He said the circus has all required permits and expressed concern about social media claims questioning the legitimacy of his business.

Belinda Abraham from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said the organisation does not support wild animals being used in circuses. However, she noted that current laws still allow it under certain conditions.

The SPCA said it continues to lobby local government to stop permits being issued for such events in Cape Town.

The circus remains legally permitted, but the ethical debate is clearly far from over.