Inquisitor reports that in the Central Otago district of New Zealand, hunters killed 10,000 rabbits in its annual Easter bunny hunt. The hunt takes place every Good Friday, and according to Inquisitor the total number of bunnies killed overall in the hunts is almost 300,000.
Bunnies… or “pests”? According to the New Zealand herald, these weren’t bunnies, these were “pests”:
In its 25th year, this time around the hunt attracted 27 teams of 12 with names like “anti-pestos” and “happy hoppers”.
It’s not only rabbits being targeted – other pest and invasive species like ferrets, stoats and possums are also shot.
The event is organised by the Lions Club from Alexandra, a town in Central Otago.
Of course, I think “pest” is an awful term; it’s an example of disguising sentient beings and distancing ourselves from the act of slaughter.
The Herald writes that no animal rights activists came…