Statement re the killing of nearly 400 cats in the North Canterbury competition

This is an ignorant and reactionary killing campaign and not a solution. Every single scientific study on lethal control indicates that it does not provide a long-term solution to invasive animal populations. Instead, it often backfires, leading to a temporary increase in food supply and prompting accelerated breeding.

Instead of dumping money into costly and cruel hunting events, resources should be directed towards ethical and sustainable forms of population control. PETA advocates for non-lethal methods such as sterilisation campaigns, which provide a humane and effective solution to managing feral animal populations, and public education about responsible pet ownership. Feral cat colonies don’t spring up out of nowhere – they’re the direct result of the irresponsible actions of humans who abandon their unaltered cats or allow them to roam outside.

It’s time for New Zealand to lead by example and show compassion towards all living, feeling beings by abandoning this violent competition and embracing humane, long-term solutions to protecting native wildlife.