The SPCA is investigating allegations that an animal-rights group endangered the lives of several dogs at a protest in Muizenberg.
The tables were turned on Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa after its members picketed outside the McLaren Circus with dogs on leashes on Thursday April 11.
McLaren Circus spokesperson Karl Hildebrandt said they were “shocked and appalled” by how the protesters had handled the dogs on leashes along a busy road for an hour without drinking water.
A megaphone used by one of the protesters had caused visible distress to the dogs, which had been “somewhat aggressive” with one another, and they had been choked and dragged away by their collars, he said.
The organisation had violated the City’s Streets, Public Places, and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-law, he said, questioning whether it had had a valid permit to have dogs at the protest.
There had also been no animal welfare inspector present in terms of Section 8(1) of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, he said.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse said they took any allegations of animal mistreatment, irrespective of the context in which they occurred, very seriously and would “ thoroughly investigate”.
Mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews said the City had amended Beauty Without Cruelty’s permit to protest on Thursday April 11, prohibiting dogs from being brought to future gatherings.
“The City has appealed to Beauty Without Cruelty to comply with the conditions stipulated in the notice,” he said.
Mr Andrews failed to respond to the emailed questions on whether the organisation had violated any City by-laws as alleged by Mr Hildebrand.
Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa chairperson Toni Brockhoven said that in their 15 years of protesting against animals kept in captivity at the circus, it was the first time that dogs had been involved.
Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa chairperson Toni Brockhoven said that in their 15 years of protesting against animals kept in captivity at the circus, it was the first time that dogs had been involved, adding that “sometimes members of the public don’t always make considerate decisions”.
Beauty Without Cruelty welcomed the amended permit as it gave them recourse to ask participants not to bring their dogs, she said.
“We agree that no animals should be subjected to loud noises, lights, constant travel, cages and performances. We look forward to the day the circus is free of wild animals,” she said.
