Protecting New Zealand's Cats Through Compassion, Not Cruelty
Across New Zealand, cats are being killed in barbaric and outdated ways
Cats are being shot, trapped and poisoned under population-control schemes that cause immense suffering. Homeless and free-roaming cats face persecution simply because they have no one to protect them.
Together with local partners, we are working to create humane, effective solutions that save lives while reducing cat populations responsibly.
Why we help them
Across New Zealand, thousands of homeless and free-roaming cats face uncertain and often dangerous lives.
Under predator-control initiatives and local culling programmes, many cats are targeted with lethal methods such as shooting, trapping and poisoning. In some communities, organised hunting events have helped normalise violence against cats, exposing children to cruelty instead of compassion.
These approaches cause immense suffering while failing to address the root cause of the problem: unchecked breeding. As long as cats remain unsterilised, more kittens will be born into hardship, more animals will suffer, and the cycle will continue.
There is a better way.
What happens
In parts of New Zealand, homeless cats are routinely targeted through culling programmes and hunting competitions.
Many cats are:
- Shot or trapped and killed as part of population-control efforts
- Poisoned using lethal toxins
- Misidentified and treated as pests
- Left without access to veterinary care
- Born into unmanaged colonies with little long-term support
Meanwhile, local rescue organisations are overwhelmed as they struggle to rescue, sterilise and care for vulnerable animals.
The result is ongoing suffering for cats and growing challenges for communities trying to manage cat populations.
Evidence also shows that exposing children to normalised violence against animals can cause psychological harm, making the promotion of humane alternatives more important than ever.
How your support helps
Working alongside our partner, Cat Rescue Christchurch, we support humane and effective programmes that tackle the problem at its source.
With your support, Network for Animals and our partners can:
- Expand Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programmes
- Fund sterilisation campaigns to prevent endless breeding
- Rescue vulnerable cats from danger
- Provide urgent veterinary treatment and rehabilitation
- Support rehoming and adoption initiatives
- Deliver community education and outreach
- Strengthen advocacy for humane animal welfare policies
- Push for a moratorium on cruel cat culling
- Promote science-based alternatives that protect both cats and wildlife
These programmes reduce suffering while creating sustainable, long-term population management.
The crisis in New Zealand is not over
Without intervention, more cats will be born only to face hardship and suffering.
More will be injured.
More will go without treatment.
More will be abandoned, persecuted or killed.
At the same time, rescue organisations will continue to face overwhelming demand with limited resources.
Your donation helps fund practical, humane solutions today while building momentum for lasting policy change.
How you can help today
When you donate, you help us:
- Sterilise more cats before they breed
- Expand TNVR programmes
- Rescue cats from dangerous situations
- Provide veterinary treatment and vaccinations
- Support foster and adoption programmes
- Back trusted local partners working on the ground
- Strengthen advocacy for humane solutions
- Challenge cruel and unnecessary killing with compassionate alternatives
Every donation helps replace cruelty with compassion.
You can make a difference
Homeless cats did not choose the lives they were born into.
They are simply trying to survive.
The cruelty they face is not inevitable. It is the result of choices—and there are better choices available.
By supporting humane population management, you are helping create a future where cats are treated with dignity and compassion rather than fear and violence.
Together, we can protect vulnerable animals, support communities and promote effective, long-term solutions.
ACT TODAY TO HELP SAVE LIVES
Please note: Network for Animals (NFA) is involved in many projects to protect the welfare of animals. Contributions to NFA support all of our worthy programs and give us the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Thank you for your support.
In United Kingdom, Network for Animals Ltd (NFAL) is registered as a company at Companies House, which operates on a not-for-profit basis. This is the entity that will receive your donations. Network for Animals Charitable Trust (NFACT) (registered charity number 1142700) is a charity that is also part of the NFA Group and operates to support charitable projects through legacy donations. If you wish to leave NFACT a legacy as a charitable donation, you should make your wishes known to NFACT for your estate to receive tax benefits at [email protected].
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