MEDIA RELEASE

7 February 2010

Cruel Catcha Cray Sparks Protest Action

Bars unwilling to remove the controversial Catcha Cray arcade game that treats live crayfish as if they were stuffed toys have been told to expect their patrons to swap their pints for protest placards.

National animal advocacy organisation SAFE says it has received many complaints from patrons outraged that their local drinking establishment has a Catcha Cray machine.

“Seven bars have removed these machines following animal welfare complaints from patrons, however some bars have taken a more defiant position. Some patrons want to stage protests outside their local pub after their concerns have been either ignored or met with verbal abuse from management,” says SAFE campaign officer Mandy Carter.

“These machines subject live crayfish to stress, torment and injury. It is estimated to take 30 attempts before a crayfish is successfully caught by the metal claws. A crayfish caught by a crowd of drunken revellers is also a serious concern as they are at great risk of further abuse,” says Ms Carter.

SAFE and the RNZSPCA have been working together to have Catcha Cray machines banned from bars on animal welfare grounds.

“SAFE expects the RNZSPCA to announce this week whether it can use the Animal Welfare Act 1990 to legally challenge the bars that continue to operate Catcha Cray machines. SAFE is of the opinion that the machines are in breach of the Act. If the RNZSPCA concurs, it will mean that anyone operating these machines will be open to prosecution for animal cruelty,” says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek.

PROTEST ACTION TOMORROW
SAFE will stage a demonstration outside The Albion on Hobson Street, Auckland at 2pm tomorrow (8 February) to highlight the cruelty of Catcha Cray machines.

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