Latest news with #ChristchurchAnimalSave
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Children Filmed Playing ‘Cricket' With Dead Animals At The Controversial North Canterbury Hunting Competition
Christchurch Animal Save members were deeply disturbed by the events witnessed at the North Canterbury Hunting Competition held on June 22nd. Two activists attended the event and were appalled to observe children participating in obstacle course relays using the bodies of dead animals, as well as a shocking game of cricket involving the bodies of baby possums. This competition, which promotes hunting as a family activity, took a horrifying turn as it showcased a blatant disregard for animal life. The sight of children being encouraged to engage with the deceased animals in such a manner raises significant ethical concerns and questions about the messages being imparted to the next generation. 'The use of dead animals as props for games is not only disrespectful but also reflects a troubling normalisation of violence against animals,' said Sarah Jackson, a spokesperson for Christchurch Animal Save. 'We believe this kind of activity sends a dangerous message that animal life is expendable and can be treated as mere objects for entertainment.' The Animal Save Movement have created a petition that calls upon local authorities and the wider community to reflect on the implications of such events and to reconsider their stance on hunting competitions that involve children. With over 3000 supporters, the petition aims to Ban Children's Hunting in Aotearoa New Zealand to uphold the law that states 'Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals'. We urge parents to educate their children about compassion and respect for all living beings, rather than participating in activities that promote cruelty. As an organisation dedicated to advocating for animal rights, Christchurch Animal Save will continue to raise awareness about these issues and work towards a more compassionate society. We invite all community members to join us in this important dialogue.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Scoop
Exposing The Deception: Consumption, Conservation Or Carnage At Te Waihora?
Press Release – Christchurch Animal Save The suffering inflicted on these sentient beings cannot be justified under the guise of tradition. We must confront the narrative that equates hunting with conservation and killing for fun. As it often masks the cruelty that happens far from public view. As duck shooting season unfolds at Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), we face a harsh reality: many hunters disguise violence against bird populations as conservation. They claim to shoot for sustenance and protection of the environment while manipulating ecosystems, leading to devastating consequences for vulnerable wildlife. On the opening day of Duck Shooting Season, Christchurch Animal Save volunteers, who were operating entirely legally, had their drone shot down while documenting a wounded duck flapping for its life in the water. 'Our group worked tirelessly to protect these innocent creatures, successfully diverting hundreds of birds en route to shooters hiding in a maimai', says a Christchurch Animal Save volunteer. This proactive approach allowed many birds to escape danger, highlighting the power of direct action in the fight for justice. Despite the hunters' claims of legal and ethical practices, 'we found four deceased ducks who had succumbed to prolonged suffering after being shot, but not fatally', says a local resident. These included two Tētē-moroiti, Grey Teal, which are supposed to be fully protected in New Zealand. This is a clear example of why gun-wielding ambushers are not the answer to managing introduced species, especially around Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere. Te Waihora is a vital habitat, home to around 170 bird species, including endangered birds like the Australasian Bittern. This area is recognised as having the single most diverse bird habitat countrywide. How can an area coined as a 'bird sanctuary' be turned into a firing zone for three months of the year? The suffering inflicted on these sentient beings cannot be justified under the guise of tradition. We must confront the narrative that equates hunting with conservation and killing for fun. As it often masks the cruelty that happens far from public view. Additionally, 'The year before, we retrieved hundreds of plastic cartridges from the shores of Te Waihora and found empty alcohol cans inside maimai huts', says another volunteer, revealing the environmental and socially unacceptable implications of this violent pastime. Now is the time for us to unite and advocate for a ban on bird shooting at Te Waihora, leading to a total ban. Together, we can ensure this cherished habitat is preserved for future generations and that animals are respected rather than exploited. Let us foster a true sanctuary for all species, where every bird can thrive peacefully.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Scoop
Exposing The Deception: Consumption, Conservation Or Carnage At Te Waihora?
As duck shooting season unfolds at Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), we face a harsh reality: many hunters disguise violence against bird populations as conservation. They claim to shoot for sustenance and protection of the environment while manipulating ecosystems, leading to devastating consequences for vulnerable wildlife. On the opening day of Duck Shooting Season, Christchurch Animal Save volunteers, who were operating entirely legally, had their drone shot down while documenting a wounded duck flapping for its life in the water. 'Our group worked tirelessly to protect these innocent creatures, successfully diverting hundreds of birds en route to shooters hiding in a maimai', says a Christchurch Animal Save volunteer. This proactive approach allowed many birds to escape danger, highlighting the power of direct action in the fight for justice. Despite the hunters' claims of legal and ethical practices, 'we found four deceased ducks who had succumbed to prolonged suffering after being shot, but not fatally', says a local resident. These included two Tētē-moroiti, Grey Teal, which are supposed to be fully protected in New Zealand. This is a clear example of why gun-wielding ambushers are not the answer to managing introduced species, especially around Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere. Te Waihora is a vital habitat, home to around 170 bird species, including endangered birds like the Australasian Bittern. This area is recognised as having the single most diverse bird habitat countrywide. How can an area coined as a 'bird sanctuary' be turned into a firing zone for three months of the year? The suffering inflicted on these sentient beings cannot be justified under the guise of tradition. We must confront the narrative that equates hunting with conservation and killing for fun. As it often masks the cruelty that happens far from public view. Additionally, 'The year before, we retrieved hundreds of plastic cartridges from the shores of Te Waihora and found empty alcohol cans inside maimai huts', says another volunteer, revealing the environmental and socially unacceptable implications of this violent pastime. Now is the time for us to unite and advocate for a ban on bird shooting at Te Waihora, leading to a total ban. Together, we can ensure this cherished habitat is preserved for future generations and that animals are respected rather than exploited. Let us foster a true sanctuary for all species, where every bird can thrive peacefully.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Community Unites To Bear Witness To And Protest Bird Shooting At Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere
Press Release – Christchurch Animal Save The protest seeks to raise awareness of the annual killing of hundreds of thousands of birds at Te Waihora, a practice that leaves many injured and suffering prolonged animal advocates, conservationists, and concerned citizens are uniting at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere to protest the upcoming bird shooting season to protect the sanctuary's diverse range of migratory and threatened native bird species and end what they see as unnecessary cruelty. Organised by Christchurch Animal Save, the event will go from sunrise to 4 PM on the season's opening day. The protest seeks to raise awareness of the annual killing of hundreds of thousands of birds at Te Waihora, a practice that leaves many injured and suffering prolonged deaths. Participants are encouraged to attend, bringing vegan food to share in a spirit of community and compassion. 'Every year, we witness the devastating impact of this cruelty on our wildlife and communities,' said Claire Coveney, an event organiser. 'The distress caused by this killing spree extends far beyond those birds directly targeted. The noise, the disruption, and the sheer terror inflict lasting damage on the well-being of all birds in the vicinity.' The cruelty of this bloodsport is immense. Birds are lured into a false sense of security, tricked by decoys and artificial calls mimicking their own, only to be met with gunfire. Many are left to die slow and agonising deaths, riddled with pellets, in what they believed was their safe home. Te Waihora is an internationally recognised migratory bird destination, making its protection paramount. The area provides crucial habitat for numerous species, and the annual shooting season poses a significant threat to their survival. A significant challenge lies in differentiating between protected and unprotected species, leading to the potential for accidental or intentional harm to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, bird shooting at Te Waihora is not monitored by Fish & Game or MPI, raising serious concerns about compliance with regulations and the overall impact on bird populations. This lack of oversight means that, in effect, no one is truly looking out for the birds' welfare. Adding to the concerns, Sarah Jackson, an event organiser, notes, 'Exposure to the killing of animals can have detrimental effects on a child's developing brain, potentially desensitising them to suffering and leading to emotional and behavioural problems later in life.' Acts of cruelty, such as maiming birds and the dumping of deceased birds, highlight the need for greater compassion and respect for all living beings. Protesters aim to expose these practices as a cruel bloodsport disguised as population control. To amplify their message, participants are urged to bring noise-making devices and visual deterrents to scare birds away and disrupt the hunt. They also encourage others to bring signs and support the petition on titled 'Ban Bird Shooting in Aotearoa NZ – Choose Compassion!' The community hopes to demonstrate that collective voices can lead to meaningful change, fostering a more compassionate and sustainable future for Te Waihora and its precious birdlife. Individuals are invited to send direct messages to the organisers via social media or email christchurchanimalsave1@ for further queries. Attendance can be confirmed by visiting the Facebook event page titled 'Protest Against Bird Shooting Season at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere'. Join us in making a difference for this planet and all its inhabitants.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Community Unites To Bear Witness To And Protest Bird Shooting At Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere
Local animal advocates, conservationists, and concerned citizens are uniting at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere to protest the upcoming bird shooting season to protect the sanctuary's diverse range of migratory and threatened native bird species and end what they see as unnecessary cruelty. Organised by Christchurch Animal Save, the event will go from sunrise to 4 PM on the season's opening day. The protest seeks to raise awareness of the annual killing of hundreds of thousands of birds at Te Waihora, a practice that leaves many injured and suffering prolonged deaths. Participants are encouraged to attend, bringing vegan food to share in a spirit of community and compassion. "Every year, we witness the devastating impact of this cruelty on our wildlife and communities," said Claire Coveney, an event organiser. "The distress caused by this killing spree extends far beyond those birds directly targeted. The noise, the disruption, and the sheer terror inflict lasting damage on the well-being of all birds in the vicinity." The cruelty of this bloodsport is immense. Birds are lured into a false sense of security, tricked by decoys and artificial calls mimicking their own, only to be met with gunfire. Many are left to die slow and agonising deaths, riddled with pellets, in what they believed was their safe home. Te Waihora is an internationally recognised migratory bird destination, making its protection paramount. The area provides crucial habitat for numerous species, and the annual shooting season poses a significant threat to their survival. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading A significant challenge lies in differentiating between protected and unprotected species, leading to the potential for accidental or intentional harm to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, bird shooting at Te Waihora is not monitored by Fish & Game or MPI, raising serious concerns about compliance with regulations and the overall impact on bird populations. This lack of oversight means that, in effect, no one is truly looking out for the birds' welfare. Adding to the concerns, Sarah Jackson, an event organiser, notes, "Exposure to the killing of animals can have detrimental effects on a child's developing brain, potentially desensitising them to suffering and leading to emotional and behavioural problems later in life." Acts of cruelty, such as maiming birds and the dumping of deceased birds, highlight the need for greater compassion and respect for all living beings. Protesters aim to expose these practices as a cruel bloodsport disguised as population control. To amplify their message, participants are urged to bring noise-making devices and visual deterrents to scare birds away and disrupt the hunt. They also encourage others to bring signs and support the petition on titled "Ban Bird Shooting in Aotearoa NZ - Choose Compassion!" The community hopes to demonstrate that collective voices can lead to meaningful change, fostering a more compassionate and sustainable future for Te Waihora and its precious birdlife. Individuals are invited to send direct messages to the organisers via social media or email christchurchanimalsave1@ for further queries. Attendance can be confirmed by visiting the Facebook event page titled "Protest Against Bird Shooting Season at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere". Join us in making a difference for this planet and all its inhabitants.
