A cat killing contest for children has been cancelled in New Zealand following public backlash.
The North Canterbury Hunting Competition runs from June 23-25 and this year included a section for children under 14 to compete in hunting feral cats to win a top cash prize of $250.
They posted on their Facebook page how they received concerns about the competition section "involving feral cats" when it opened on April 14.
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A statement read: "Our sponsors and school safety are our main priority, so the decision has been made to withdraw this category for this year to avoid further backlash at this time. We are disappointed and apologise for those who were excited to be involved in something that is about protecting out native birds, and other vulnerable species."
Last year their hunters killed 289 pigs, 172 deer and 125 hares but it is understood this is the first year they had included feral cats.
The section was removed on April 17 after animal rights groups highlighted how it could lead to the death of pet cats despite the rules stating any children who produced dead cats with microchips would be disqualified.
The Canterbury SPCA told the Guardian they were “extremely concerned”.
“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.”
Both feral and domestic cats threaten biodiversity and wildlife in New Zealand as they eat endangered birds, lizards, bats, insects and more. The country's Department for Conservation has "a legislated mandate to control feral cats on public conservation land".
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