On the weekend of 10-12 July, a planned massacre of the feral cats of North Canterbury, New Zealand, is due to take place, with the aim being for thousands of cats to be shot, poisoned and trapped. This event is aimed at drastically reducing the population of the feral cats of North Canterbury, which are an invasive predator that are endangering native wildlife. However, this cruel event is still not moral, nor is it the only way to reduce the feral cat population of North Canterbury. Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR) can instead be utilised effectively and humanely to reduce the feral cats' population over time, therefore reducing their impact on New Zealand's native wildlife. The Government of NZ and the local authorities, as well as cat rescues and volunteers, can also go out and search for any kittens that are young enough to be taken, tamed and then adopted out as indoor cats when they are old enough to further reduce the population. Any cats who are just strays and are not feral can also be humanely captured, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, given veterinary care and looked after in shelters and rescues and then adopted out as indoor cats.
These are much more humane options to deal with NZ's feral and stray cats than this bloodsport, which could even see some hunters use dogs to terrorise, chase and kill feral cats.
Previously, the hunt was going to allow CHILDREN to take part. Thankfully, this plan was stopped, but the cruel hunt is still going to take place unless the plans are cancelled.
Please join me in calling for this cruel hunt to be cancelled and for any future hunts of feral cats in New Zealand to be banned!
Thank you.
