Controversial cat Hunt in New Zealand Sparks outrage

A controversial cat killing competition is held in Canterbury: participants have captured more than 300 feral cats. And killed

A shocking reality

What initially seemed like a fake news story due to its absurdity is, in fact, true. In North Canterbury, a rural region on New Zealand’s South Island, an annual competition is held where participants, including adults and teenagers over the age of 14, hunt and kill stray cats.

Remarkably, before animal welfare organizations intervened, even children participated in this bloodthirsty challenge.

The North Canterbury hunting competition

The competition, known as the North Canterbury Hunting Competition, aims to control wild animals that threaten the native wildlife. Participants are rewarded with cash prizes for their efforts.

Expansion of the competition

Initially, the competition targeted deer, wild boars, ducks, possums, and rabbits. However, last year, the stray cat category was added.

Rules and statistics

The hunt is confined to areas outside residential zones, with traps set at least 6 miles away from the nearest home. This year, around 1,500 people participated, including 440 teenagers, resulting in the killing of over 300 cats. One man killed 65 cats, winning a prize of NZD 500 (approximately USD 300).

Organizer’s response

Organizer Matt Bailey stated that:

he is “not particularly concerned about the feelings of people who do not understand the competition” because “children in rural areas already grow up in an environment where animals are hunted, skinned, tanned, and eaten.”

The urgent need for ethical solutions

This disturbing event highlights the urgent need to find appropriate methods for managing and reducing wild animal populations without resorting to inhumane practices.