10/07/2026
Greetings to you all
This is an important notice to all Club's for any upcoming shows:
We have recently been advised that one of our clubs received a phone call from an SPCA Welfare Officer following their show after a complaint was made by a member of the public.
The primary concern raised was that many cats did not have access to drinking water while benched.
The SPCA Welfare Officer referred to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999, which requires that cats must have access to water at all times.
NZCF Show bylaw 10.5 states:
Water bowls are optional and shall have no identifying marks. Plastic or Perspex cage fronts may be attached to the cage door only. A judge may by-pass any exhibit where the cage front restricts access to the exhibit.
While this rule currently states optional, in light of this being bought to our attention, we strongly encourage all exhibitors to provide a water bowl in their show cages going forward.
To help minimise spills and keep cages clean and safe, we ask that exhibitors please use clip-on water bowls that securely attach to the sides of the cages.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare at our shows.
Sheree Russell
NZCF Shows Portfolio Manager
E: [email protected]