Just when you thought good sense had prevailed, the controversial Catcha Cray arcade style game with live crayfish is back – but modified! SAFE was delighted to announce in February that the arcade-style machine called Catcha Cray, that treated live animals like stuffed toys, had been banned following an intense SAFE campaign.
“The machines used a metal claw to subject the crayfish to undue stress, torment and injury, with the catching and handling process sometimes resulting in limbs being torn off or damaged. Most New Zealander’s were disgusted that such a thing was allowed,” says SAFE campaign officer Mandy Carter.
A SAFE demonstration, which attracted huge media exposure and an intervention by the SPCA deeming the machines illegal under the Animal Welfare Act, resulted in bars with Catcha Cray machines being ordered to discontinue using them.
Game modified and sadly back!
However, the game has since been modified by dividing the tank in half with perspex. One side contains live crayfish, while the other side contains plastic ones. Punters will attempt to ‘catch’ from the side with plastic crayfish, and be rewarded with a live crayfish if they succeed.
“We are disappointed to learn that Catcha Cray machines will be appearing in bars again. Although the crayfish will no longer be cruelly tormented with a metal claw, SAFE still has concerns, as the cramped conditions and noisy bars are not appropriate places for animals. A caught crayfish amongst a crowd of drunken revellers is also of serious concern as they are at great risk of abuse. There is also the issue of how the crays are being killed once they have been taken home,” says Mandy.
SAFE would advise any bars approached to house a Catcha Cray machine, to consider carefully whether they wish to be associated with these machines. SAFE also encourages people who see one at a bar to not to use them, and to register a complaint with bar staff.