A competition in New Zealand for children to hunt and kill feral cats has been scrapped following public outcry.The hunt is going ahead in other categoriesOrganisers of an annual hunting competition caused an uproar when they announced a new category for children under 14 to hunt feral cats for a top prize of $NZ250 .
The category, which came with a warning for youngsters not to kill pets, has been scrapped, organisers said in a statement on Tuesday. New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it was "both pleased and relieved that the children's category which involved shooting feral cats has been removed".
"Children, as well as adults, will not be able to tell the difference between a feral, stray or a frightened domesticated cat," said an SPCA spokesperson. The overall competition, which is going ahead with other categories for hunting wild pigs and deer, is being run as a fundraiser by the Rotherham School in the country's South Island.
Should be a 365 day a year comp worldwide
such a democratic country and animal has no rights to live
Like i said New Zealand is not all it is crack up to be, socially! while they worry about feral cats and let's not forget we now have wild Dogs in Northland Forests, they are turning the food bowl of NZ into houses! Blame everyone and thing but ourselves!
As someone who has spent a fair bit of time in the bush, there's a massive difference between a domesticated and a feral. Ferals are generally bigger and will be much more aggressive. They'll hold their ground, whereas a pet cat will tend to hide.
killing animals as a child is generally not a good sign for future behaviour...
I wouldn't have restricted this cull to 'feral' cats. I'd've made it open season on any cat seen outdoors.
I hear Number10cat was instrumental in leading the charge
gosh this is horrible!