April 20, 20236:01 AM ET

By

Rachel Treisman

Feral cats are a problem in New Zealand, but one community’s attempt to handle them has not gone over well. This one is pictured in Wantagh, N.Y., where officials removed cats from Jones Beach over the threat to endangered birds.

Frank Eltman/AP

Organizers of a New Zealand hunting contest are pawing their way out of controversy after canceling an event that would have seen children 14 and under compete to kill the most feral cats.

The North Canterbury Hunting Competition is open to both kids and adults, and aims to manage invasive species and raise money for local causes — specifically, aschool and poolin the rural village of Rotherham.

Last year, more than 250 children killed 427 animals, mostly possums, hares and rabbits, according toThe Guardian.

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