Kiwi conservation concerns lead to removal of festive canine chew toys from New Zealand stores

A popular New Zealand chain store, Mitre 10, has made the decision to cease the sale of festive kiwi-shaped canine chew toys.

The move comes as part of an effort to curb the impact of dogs, identified as one of the primary threats to the dwindling kiwi population.

Official figures reveal that New Zealand is home to fewer than 70,000 kiwis, and with a decline of approximately two percent annually, the urgency to safeguard these iconic birds has never been more pressing.

Dogs, particularly in the wild, are recognized as significant contributors to the mortality of adult kiwis.

The controversial chew toys, adorned with red Santa hats, have sparked outrage among conservationists who argue that such products trivialize the serious issue of canine predation on kiwis.

Save the Kiwi chief executive, Michelle Impey, expressed her dismay, stating, “We’re really fighting hard to keep kiwi safe from a number of pests and predators out there, and one of which can be a roaming dog or a feral dog.”

Impey emphasized that endorsing the idea of dogs possessing kiwi-shaped toys sends the wrong message to dog owners and undermines ongoing conservation efforts. “It’s the optics of it,” she added, highlighting the need for responsible messaging surrounding the plight of the national kiwi population.

Mitre 10 responded promptly to the outcry, acknowledging the validity of the concerns raised by conservationists. The decision to pull the Christmas-themed kiwi chew toys from their inventory reflects a commitment to align with conservation goals and mitigate potential harm to the endangered bird species.

As New Zealand strives to reverse the decline in kiwi numbers, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between commercial interests and environmental preservation, prompting a broader discussion on responsible marketing and the role of businesses in safeguarding the country’s unique wildlife.