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In today's world, sustainability is more important than ever.  As conscious consumers, we can make choices that not only benefit our pets but also have a positive impact on the environment.  At Canterbury Pet Food Co, we believe in sustainable practices and the utilisation of introduced wild game species in our products as an ethical solution for population management. In this article, we will explore how our approach contributes to the preservation of native bush ecosystems.

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The Challenge:  Overpopulation of introduced wild animals and Environmental Impact

Overpopulation of introduced species like Deer, Goats, Wallabys, Possums, Rabbits and Hares is a significant threat to native ecosystems, leading to the destruction of natural habitats and the decline of indigenous flora and fauna. In many cases, wild game populations have exploded due to the absence of natural predators and the lack of competition for their food source, causing imbalances that disrupt delicate ecological systems. Wild game damage forests, consume crops, and compete with native wildlife for resources, ultimately leading to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss.

The Ethical Solution:  Utilising Wild Game for Raw Pet Food

A sustainable and ethical way we can help address this issue is incorporating wild game into our pet food products. By sourcing wild game meat from carefully managed and licensed hunters, we contribute to maintaining ecological balance and minimizing the negative impact of overpopulation on native bush.

1. Regulating Populations: Hunting wild game plays a crucial role in managing populations. By selectively and humanely harvesting animals in a controlled manner, we help keep these populations in check, preventing them from wreaking havoc on the environment.

2. Preserving Native Bush Ecosystems: The destructive feeding habits of overpopulated game species can decimate native plant life, threatening the very foundation of delicate ecosystems. By utilizing these animals in our pet food, we contribute to preserving the natural balance and biodiversity of our native bush.

3. Minimizing Environmental Footprint: Utilizing wild game as a renewable resource helps reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional livestock farming. It requires less land, water, and feed while generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by utilizing the whole animal, we minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.

4. Supporting Local Communities: Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns. By partnering with licensed hunters and local communities, we create economic opportunities and support the growth of rural areas, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

5. Reduce the need for harmful poisoning control measures, if populations can be controlled through humane hunting the use of dangerous indiscriminate poisons like 1080 can be reduced or even discontinued, currently New Zealand uses about 80% of all 1080 used in the world.

Conclusion:

Sustainability is a key pillar of our philosophy at Canterbury Pet Food Co, we recognise the importance of pest management to the preservation of native bush ecosystems.  By incorporating ethically sourced wild game into our raw pet food products we can create a positive impact on the environment while providing the highest-quality nutrition possible for your pets.

By choosing our products, pet owners not only provide their pets with a wholesome and natural diet but also contribute to the greater cause of environmental conservation.  Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding our precious native bush and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.