New Zealand allows annual cat-hunting competitions while also planning to include feral cats in the Predator Free 2050 program, effectively aiming for their full eradication.

Feral cats—many of whom are abandoned pets or their descendants—face nationwide trapping, poisoning, and shooting. Hunting competitions not only normalize but reward violence, teaching children and communities that cruelty is acceptable, while fueling society’s obsession with violence and its ongoing disregard for the value of life.

As a writer and and staunch defender of animals, I, Viola Di Grado, am calling on the New Zealand government to halt lethal eradication of feral cats and ban hunting competitions. I also urge them to adopt humane, science-based alternatives such as Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) programs, desexing, microchipping, and responsible pet management.

Why this matters:

Lethal eradication of innocent animals is not only morally unacceptable, but it also causes extreme suffering. Poison baits, traps, and shooting are often painful, slow, and indiscriminate. Hunting competitions further encourage cruelty, teaching communities that harming animals is entertainment. Humane alternatives exist and are effective in protecting wildlife while respecting animal welfare.

This petition is supported by US non profit cat welfare organization Ally Cat Rescue, who pressed the Predator Free 2050 decision against targeting feral cats in early 2025 in a letter, signed by 178 scientists, veterinarians, and animal control experts. The letter cited scientific evidence that eradication of feral cats across New Zealand is an inhumane and impossible goal while large-scale sterilizations campaigns would be more effective. None of the individuals to whom the letter was sent responded.

Sign this petition to defend cats, promote compassion, and stop cruelty in New Zealand.