Thread: SPCA call out 1080 for what it is - good on you !!

Originally Posted by rockland

Whilst there is some merit in the old adage "The enemy of my enemy is my ally" I suspect the SPCA would throw hunters under the bus without hesitation.
Imagine if they got hold of video footage of pigdogs bailing and holding a sow, before being knifed by the hunter.

I see what you mean. That could be very emotive/sensational, but would not stand up in the court of reason. Pig hunters don't deliberately take their time killing off pigs but do it as quick as reasonably possible, including with a knife. Much quicker than if wolves got to finish it off. The word "deliberate" in "deliberate animal cruelty" is key here. Can't imagine any sane pig hunter standing back to enjoy watching his dogs fight a pig -- whether from the animal suffering aspect, concerns about spoiling the meat, or out of concern for his dogs' welfare.

Please don't shoot me down, but I see no absolute problem in developing a hunting code of ethics, maybe worked out by NZDA together with the SPCA. "Prevention of cruelty towards animals" is a good practical concept which gets applied by hunters every day -- not to be confused with vegetarianism or so-called 'animal rights'.