April 20, 2023, 11:03 am | Read time: 5 minutes
What seems unimaginable here became a reality in New Zealand in mid-April. A local hunting organizer encouraged children to hunt feral cats. The young hunter with the most kills was promised a prize of $250. Massive criticism from animal rights activists led to the cancellation of the newly introduced junior category just days after the event began. What’s behind this?
The organizer of the annual North Canterbury hunting competition on New Zealand’s South Island is facing massive criticism. A new category of the competition called on children under 14 to kill wild cats, reports the daily newspaper “The New Zealand Herald.” The organizers offered a prize of $250 to the child who could kill the most feral cats. The event also served as a fundraiser for a local school and a swimming pool. Just a few days later, the junior category is no longer part of the competition due to public outrage.
Animal Rights Activists Criticize: Hunting Feral Cats Endangers House Cats
According to the organizers’ warning, killing microchipped house cats was a clear disqualification criterion. This announcement has since been deleted, as reported by the public broadcaster “Radio New Zealand.” This statement makes no difference to animal rights activists. In a statement on Facebook, the animal protection organization Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Incorporated (SPCA) expressed “extreme concerns” about the call to hunt feral cats. It is impossible for children and teenagers to distinguish a frightened house cat from a feral cat, according to the activists. This assessment is shared by Will Appelbe, spokesperson for the animal protection group SAFE, with “Radio New Zealand.” Those who hunt feral cats run a huge risk of killing a house cat.
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Feral Cats in New Zealand Often Die a Painful Death
The SPCA points out that participants in hunting events like the one in North Canterbury typically use air rifles. Hunting with these weapons is associated with an increased likelihood that the animals will die a slow, painful death. It is not uncommon for house cats in the region to be shot, reports Sam Cairns, head of the SPCA inspection team, to the “New Zealand Herald.” The animals are often outdoors during the day in rural areas, making them easily mistaken for feral cats—especially by children and teenagers.
Just days after the organizers announced the cat hunt, another incident occurred in North Canterbury. The SPCA took in and treated a cat that had been severely injured by an air rifle. In a statement available to the “New Zealand Herald,” Cairns reports: “She died of sepsis and appeared to be a house cat.” The SPCA is investigating this case, as it may be a violation of animal welfare laws. Whether there is a connection to the Canterbury hunting competition is still unclear.
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Hunting Organizer “Disappointed” by “Malicious” Messages
The organizers of the hunting competition did not expect such a massive reaction of outrage. In a statement on Facebook, they express “disappointment” over the public’s reaction. They report receiving “malicious” and “inappropriate” messages directed at participants and the school for which donations were being collected. They are aware of the concerns raised and have therefore removed the announcement. As a precaution, the organizers called for avoiding small rural towns and villages when hunting the cats to protect house cats, reports the “New Zealand Herald.” The minor participants were only supposed to target the cats under adult supervision. This “precautionary measure” did not appease most critics.
New Zealand Has a Cat Problem
How can it be that organizers want to do something “good” by calling for a cat hunt? To understand this attitude, a look at the local ecosystem helps. Cats are not native to the islands in the southwestern Pacific. Since Europeans introduced them in the 18th century, the population of feral cats has steadily expanded, explains the Department of Conservation in a publication. In addition to the estimated 1.2 million domesticated cats, there are likely twice as many feral animals in New Zealand, according to “Radio New Zealand.” In the last ten years, their numbers have exploded.
Helen Blackie, a biosecurity expert with the SPCA, told the radio station in an interview that feral cats in New Zealand are responsible for the deaths of up to 100 million birds annually. The animals are the main cause of the decline in populations of birds, bats, frogs, and lizards on the island. Six bird species have already become extinct due to cats. The introduction of house cats and their wild counterparts poses a serious threat to the sensitive wildlife. Christine Sumner, research director of the SPCA, also assesses the situation for “Radio New Zealand”: They are aware of the impact of cats, including feral ones. The lethal control of cats is sometimes the right approach to protect biodiversity.
Moreover, feral cats in New Zealand are considered wild animals. They live in self-sustaining populations and do not rely on humans to survive. This distinguishes them from stray cats that live in urban areas or house cats. However, the animals are not protected from being mistaken for others. Whether children should be sent out to kill wild cats for a cash prize is questionable. Opinions are divided, but the wave of outrage against this endeavor sends a clear message.