https://sputnikglobe.com/20230419/new-zealand-axes-childrens-feral-cat-killing-contest-amid-backlash-1109671887.html
New Zealand Axes Children's Feral Cat Killing Contest Amid Backlash
New Zealand Axes Children's Feral Cat Killing Contest Amid Backlash
Sputnik International
A children's cat hunting competition in the New Zealand region of Canterbury has been cancelled. This is reported by the local newspaper with reference to the statement of the organizers.
2023-04-19T22:26+0000
2023-04-19T22:26+0000
2023-04-19T22:23+0000
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A children's hunting competition for feral cats in the New Zealand region of North Canterbury was recently called off after prompting outrage from animal rights groups.Citing statements from organizers, local media reported that this year's event would include a hunting category for children up to 14 years of age, and that it would have a grand prize of $250 NZ ($155). The competition, which had been announced as part of a fundraiser of a local school, outlined that participants were intended to kill the highest number of feral cats between mid April and June.While kids were urged to only hunt down feral cats, critics of the competition raised issue with the fact that participants would not be able to distinguish the differences between a feral cat and a stray or pet cat. Will Appelbe, a spokesperson for Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE), relayed to US media that the differences in appearances are "very difficult" to determine.Although organizers initially promised to check any turned in cat corpses and disqualify participants who brought chipped animals, the suggestion failed to convince the public as the animal would have already been killed.Another talking point raised by critics was that feral cats would be killed with air guns, prompting a "long, painful death." Officials have underscored that such a method "is no way to teach empathy to children."However, supporters of the competition have doubled down on backing the initiative over the damages wild cats are causing to New Zealand's wildlife.At present, media estimates suggest the number of wild cats in New Zealand amount to more than 2.4 million. The number of domestic cats is about half that number.Feral cats are estimated to kill 100 million birds in New Zealand each year.
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feral animals, feral cats, new zealand biosystem, save animals from exploitation, north canterbury, feral animals eating crops, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, how many feral cats are in new zealand
feral animals, feral cats, new zealand biosystem, save animals from exploitation, north canterbury, feral animals eating crops, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, how many feral cats are in new zealand
New Zealand Axes Children's Feral Cat Killing Contest Amid Backlash
Feral cat hunting contests in New Zealand's North Canterbury region are held as part of a larger effort to provide protections for the island nation's ecosystem. Feral cats are known to eat unique lizards, birds and other animals that are threatened with extinction; in fact, in some parts of the country a ban on pet cats has been implemented.
A children's hunting competition for feral cats in the New Zealand region of North Canterbury was recently called off after prompting outrage from animal rights groups.
Citing statements from organizers, local media reported that this year's event would include a hunting category for children up to 14 years of age, and that it would have a grand prize of $250 NZ ($155).
The competition, which had been announced as part of a fundraiser of a local school, outlined that participants were intended to kill the highest number of feral cats between mid April and June.
While kids were urged to only hunt down feral cats, critics of the competition raised issue with the fact that participants would not be able to distinguish the differences between a feral cat and a stray or pet cat. Will Appelbe, a spokesperson for Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE), relayed to US media that the differences in appearances are "very difficult" to determine.
Although organizers initially promised to check any turned in cat corpses and disqualify participants who brought chipped animals, the suggestion failed to convince the public as the animal would have already been killed.
Another talking point raised by critics was that feral cats would be killed with air guns, prompting a "long, painful death." Officials have underscored that such a method "is no way to teach empathy to children."
"We should be teaching our tamariki [children] empathy towards animals, not handing them the tools to kill them," a spokesman for Safe told media.
However, supporters of the competition have doubled down on backing the initiative over the damages wild cats are causing to New Zealand's wildlife.
"If only people knew the damage wild cats cause around the place," one resident wrote. "They also [have] an effect on our farming. Wild cats carry diseases... we will just keep shooting them for as long as we keep seeing them," the author of the comment concluded.
At present, media estimates suggest the number of wild cats in New Zealand amount to more than 2.4 million. The number of domestic cats is about half that number.
Feral cats are
estimated to kill 100 million birds in New Zealand each year.
