A New Zealand competition encouraging children to hunt and kill feral cats has been scrapped following a huge backlash.
The North Canterbury Hunting Competition, which raises money to fund teachers and maintain the swimming pool at a local school, announced the new category this week prompting outcry from animal lovers.
According to New Zealand news outlet Stuff the “most feral cats” category encouraged children aged 14 or below to kill as many of the felines as possible, to be in with a chance of winning $250, and a dirt bike.
The annual North Canterbury Hunting Competition is described by Stuff as “a beloved community event”, reportedly attracting more than 900 competitors last year, including 250 children who hunted animals including rabbits, rats, possums and geese.
But animal charity SPCA Canterbury said it was “extremely concerned” about the competition’s new category, having received a huge number of reports about it.
The charity pointed out it could leave cats suffering painful, drawn-out deaths, and could see pets accidentally slaughtered.
”It’s not possible to tell the difference between a feral, stray or frightened domestic cat based on appearance, so there is a good chance someone’s pet may be killed during this event,” SPCA Canterbury said in a post on Facebook.
“In addition, children often use air rifles in these sorts of event which increase the likelihood of pain and distress, and can cause a prolonged death.
“SPCA advocates that, instead of organised killing events, education around humane and compassionate practices can better prepare young people to appreciate and protect the biological heritage of New Zealand.”
The competition, held annually in the Canterbury region in New Zealand’s South Island, has since confirmed it is scrapping the controversial category.
It said it is “disappointed”, and apologised to those who were “excited to be involved in something that is about protecting” native and vulnerable species.
Feral cats are widespread in New Zealand. According to conservation charity Forest and Bird, they are thought to number in the millions and “are devastating local populations of endemic birds, lizards, and insects”.
The North Canterbury Hunting Competition said on Facebook: “The decision has been made to withdraw this category for this year to avoid further backlash at this time.
“We are disappointed and apologise for those who were excited to be involved in something that is about protecting out native birds, and other vulnerable species.
“To clarify, for all hunting categories, our hunters are required to abide by firearms act 1983 and future amendments as well as the animal welfare act 1999.
“Please remember we are a group of volunteers who are trying to raise money for our local school and pool. This fundraising effort is critical in aiding the local school to employ a board funded third teacher and gives our local community and kids greater opportunities.”
