Hundreds of feral cats have been culled during a controversial competition in New Zealand. The event had animal rights groups and protestors up in arms at the weekend, but organiser Mat Bailey said it was needed to limit the damage cats are doing to native wildlife and to stop them spreading diseases. About 370 feral felines were killed during the North Canterbury Hunting Competition on New Zealand’s South Island, with one hunter’s haul including 65 moggies. The heaviest cat caught weighed 6.
” The competition does have rules, Bailey says, with cats needing to be caught in box traps placed at least 10km away from residential zones. It ensures pet cats do not become accidental victims. Christchurch Animal Save was among those who travelled to protest this “blood sport, which isn’t really a sport because the animals aren’t consenting”. One protestor said they had rocks thrown at them and were blocked when they tried to leave.