Feral cats can be a menace to society so what better way to get rid of them than by letting children do it? A New Zealand hunting competition has received massive pushback over a new category where children compete to kill as many feral cats as possible for a cash prize.
The North Canterbury Hunting Competition announced the new category that will see children 14 and under hunt feral cats for the possibility of a $250 prize. While this may seem jarring, the competition does have some rules in place.
Any prospective entrants were warned that killing anyone’s pet would result in expulsion from the event. If officials discovered dead microchipped cats, the children’s entry will be disqualified.
This is a good step but not as proactive as some feel is necessary. “Disqualifying dead cats with microchips is too little too late,” said Will Appelbe, spokesperson for animal rights group SAFE. “It’s not even an ambulance but a grave at the bottom of the cliff.”
The Canterbury SPCA also released a statement where it said it was “extremely concerned” about the competition. “There is a good chance someone’s pet may be killed during this event,” they said. “In addition, children often use air rifles in these sorts of events, which increase the likelihood of pain and distress, and can cause a prolonged death.”
Feral and domestic cats are a serious threat to the biodiversity and native wildlife in New Zealand. They tend to eat endangered native birds and eggs, lizards, bats and insects. Competitions have become a popular way to help control the population.
The North Canterbury Hunting Competition attracted more than 250 child entrants and about 650 adults in 2022. The children killed 427 animals — mostly animals like possums, hares and rabbits — but this is the first year that cats have become a competitive category.
The competition is also held in order to raise money for a local school and pool. “There are numerous ways to raise money,” Appelbe said. “Sending children off to kill cats shouldn’t be one of them.”