A contest planned for children in New Zealand to hunt and kill feral cats as part of a drive to protect native species has been axed following backlash from the public and animal rights groups. 9News
Feral cats are blamed for killing millions of birds, reptiles, frogs and mammals, every day, prompting authorities to arrange regular culls.Organisers of the contest in Canterbury maintained that the junior hunting tournament to kill feral cats, using a firearm or other means, was about "protecting 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."Addressing concerns from the public, organisers had earlier announced rules to discourage young participants from targeting pets.The group also noted that scheduled hunts for other categories like local pigs and deer would still proceed.
"Children, as well as adults, will not be able to tell the difference between a feral, stray or a frightened domesticated cat," the SPCA said."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," it added.
"Cats are the only true sadists of the animal world, serial killers who torture without mercy," said then-Prime Minister John Key, who himself had a cat named Moonbeam.
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