Dear Mayor Mary Black of the Hurunui District,
Network for Animals and the below signed supporters are deeply concerned to learn about the annual North Canterbury Hunting Competition in your district, where hunters are encouraging children as young as 14 to trap and kill cats. We strongly condemn this practice and urge you to consider more humane and effective methods for managing animal populations.
By involving children in such activities, there is a big risk of desensitizing them to violence against animals. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to animal cruelty can lead to increased aggression and violence in later life. For example, a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health found that children who witness or engage in animal abuse are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior, including bullying and violence, as they grow older.
We understand that controlling the population of stray cats is important for protecting local wildlife and biodiversity. However, as this is our area of expertise, we are here to tell you that your current methods, such as shooting and poisoning, are ineffective and inhumane. This is clearly demonstrated by the National Cat Management Strategy Group, established in 2014, which has made little progress with these approaches over the last 10 years.
We have a data-supported solution that is both more humane and highly effective: Trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) programs. Network for Animals has successfully implemented TNVR programs in Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Greece, making a significant positive impact in reducing stray animal populations. Sterilized cats defend their territories without reproducing, leading to a gradual and sustainable reduction in the cat population. Additionally, these cats help control the populations of other introduced predators such as rats and possums, benefiting native wildlife.
We urge you to consider implementing a comprehensive TNR program in the Hurunui District. This approach is supported by us and many other animal welfare organizations worldwide, and has been proven to be effective. Rather than allowing children and amateur hunters to kill cats indiscriminately, a TNR program would offer a humane solution that aligns with modern conservation best practices.
The current hunting competition has garnered negative attention both locally and internationally. To restore the district’s reputation as a compassionate and forward-thinking community, we recommend abolishing the cat-killing competition and adopting humane population control methods.
We believe that with your leadership, the Hurunui District can become a model for humane animal management and conservation. We are willing to support and assist in the implementation of a TNVR program to ensure its success.
For the animals,
Network for Animals
