Article written by OIPA International
Originally published by oipa.org, 15 May 2026

New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 strategy, launched to protect native biodiversity through the eradication of introduced predator species, is increasingly attracting international concern due to its reliance on lethal control methods, including trapping, poisoning, hunting, and shooting, resulting in the large-scale killing of feral cats. 

Originally focused on species such as rats, stoats, and possums, the nationwide conservation programme was later expanded to include feral cats, significantly increasing both the scale and complexity of the debate surrounding the policy. 

At the same time, growing concern has emerged regarding the increasing involvement of local communities, including children, in organised animal killing activities linked to predator control initiatives. Critics and animal welfare organisations have raised questions regarding the ethical implications of these practices, the long-term scientific effectiveness of large-scale lethal control in mainland environments, and the potential psychosocial impacts associated with children’s repeated exposure to violence against animals. 

Particular attention has recently focused on the North Canterbury hunting competition, scheduled to take place again in June and July 2026 which has attracted international criticism due to the direct participation of children in hunting and killing competitions. In light of these concerns, OIPA ETS and Network for Animals have joined efforts to raise international awareness regarding what both organisations consider to be an issue requiring broader public, institutional, and diplomatic attention. 

The two organisations have jointly prepared a policy briefing that has been shared with diplomatic missions, UN-related stakeholders, international organisations, and institutional actors in order to raise awareness of the issue and advance discussion around humane, science-based, and ethically responsible alternatives to feral cat management. 

In addition, both organisations have already formally written to the New Zealand Government and relevant authorities on two separate occasions, urging greater consideration of humane and non-lethal approaches to feral cat management, including the evaluation of science-based alternatives and the undertaking of comprehensive environmental and child rights impact assessments. 

The policy briefing highlights concerns relating to: 

• animal welfare and humane standards, 

• child rights and exposure to violence, 

• scientific effectiveness and sustainability, 

• environmental governance and impact assessments, 

• and the limited consideration currently given to humane and evidence-based alternatives. 

 The briefing notes that there is currently limited evidence demonstrating that large-scale lethal culling in open mainland environments can achieve effective and sustainable long-term eradication outcomes. 

 The organisations also reiterate the importance of international environmental frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which emphasise the need for appropriate environmental impact assessments and evidence-based conservation approaches where biodiversity policies may generate significant ecological, ethical, and societal impacts. 

Moreover, from a humanitarian and child protection perspective, OIPA ETS and Network for Animals underline that exposure and the involvement of children in organised animal killing activities appears increasingly difficult to reconcile with international child protection frameworks, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) and General Comment No. 26, which recognise the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence, including exposure to violence inflicted on animals. 

The brief also stresses that biodiversity protection and animal welfare should not be viewed as opposing goals, and that conservation policies must reflect ethical responsibility and scientific integrity, by relying on humane and integrated alternatives to mass culling, including: 

• Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programmes, 

• fertility control, 

• targeted wildlife protection strategies, 

• responsible pet ownership measures, 

• and long-term ecosystem management approaches. 

As international attention surrounding the issue continues to grow ahead of the June and July North Canterbury hunting competition, OIPA and Network for Animals are calling for: 

• A moratorium on cat culling and a precautionary and evidence-based review of current feral cat eradication policies, 

• stronger safeguards regarding child involvement in animal killing activities, 

• comprehensive environmental and child rights impact assessments, 

• and greater investment in humane, science-based alternatives. 

Both organisations have expressed their willingness to engage constructively with authorities, experts, and stakeholders in exploring balanced approaches capable of protecting biodiversity while also respecting animal welfare, child wellbeing, and ethical governance principles.

Read the full policy briefing for detailed evidence, legal analysis, and recommendations.