SPCA STOPS CATCHA CRAY ARCADE GAME

9 February 2009

The Auckland SPCA has taken action against the Catcha Cray outlets in the city by making the arcade games inoperable.

The arcade games, which use a mechanical claw-like device to capture live crayfish from a water-tank, have been the subject of intense investigation by the Society, involving expert species specialists and legal advice.

“Our expert advice is that the crayfish subjected to this arcade game are likely to suffer unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress which is unacceptable in our view”, said SPCA Auckland Executive Director, Bob Kerridge. “In view of this, after careful consideration, we have taken steps to prevent the further infliction of trauma on these animals”, he said.

The Society’s action is compliant with Section 130 of the Animal Welfare Act (1999) where an inspector ‘may take all such steps as are necessary or desirable to prevent or mitigate the suffering of the animal’, and this has been achieved by rendering the mechanical parts of the machine unable to be used.

Although it is possible that Court proceedings may follow, the SPCA is satisfied that it has reasonable grounds to take this action. “We have received evidence and submissions from the parties involved in this matter, and have also received legal advice from our pro-bono panel at Russell McVeagh that fully supports our actions”, said Mr Kerridge.

“Once again we find it necessary to send a clear message that the SPCA will simply not tolerate cruelty to animals in any form or for any reason”, he said

It is understood that the Catcha Cray arcade games in outlets outside the Auckland Region are also being handled in a similar manner.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland, PO Box 43221, Mangere

Telephone: (bus.) (dd) (09) 256-7306

Fax: (09) 256-7314

Email: bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz

 

Garth Halliday, Chief Executive Officer, SPCA Auckland, PO Box 43221, Mangere

Telephone: (bus.) (dd) (09) 256-2528

Fax: (09) 256-7314

Email: garth.halliday@spca.org.nz