IN New Zealand, stray cats are considered as pests and a risk to the country’s biosecurity.
The Department of Conservation in New Zealand said the widespread population of feral cats has a “major impact” on native birds, bats, lizards, and mice.
To address the issue, the North Canterbury Hunting Competition launched a contest encouraging kids as young as 14 years old to shoot and kill as many feral cats as they could possibly find.
The youngster who managed to shoot the most number of stray cats using an air rifle was promised a cash reward worth £124.
The competition, however, received criticisms from various animal rights groups in the country including the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or also known as SPCA.
According to SPCA, household pets could end up being targeted because children wouldn’t know the difference, so there is a good chance someone’s pet may be killed during this event. In addition, children often use air rifles in this kind of event which increases the likelihood of pain and distress as well as prolonged death.
“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. 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,” statement of Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Although the group expressed their extreme concern about the planned event, they couldn’t take enforcement action because no laws were being broken.
In response, organizers of the North Canterbury Hunting Competition said they have canceled the controversial category to avoid further backlash. The organizers also apologized to those participants who were excited to take part in the competition.
“Our sponsors and school safety are our main priority, so the decision has been made to withdraw this category for this year to avoid further backlash at this time. We are disappointed and apologize for those who were excited to be involved in something that is about protecting our native birds, and other vulnerable species,” statement of North Canterbury Hunting Competition.
The controversial competition stirred a public debate between supporters and critics, with some defenders stating it is necessary to avoid the spread of disease caused by stray cats while detractors argued it doesn’t teach the value of empathy among children.
