Animal welfare charity the SPCA has defended its call to ban the use of 1080 as a pest control.
On Monday the charity issued a statement calling for a ban on the controversial poison, saying it causes "intense and prolonged suffering" to animals.
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The statement said they were "deeply concerned" over the use of 1080 and was working to achieve change.
It said pest control methods should be "humane and effective."
The statement got mixed reactions, with some people applauding the SPCA's stance while others such as Forest and Bird slammed it.
Kevin Hague, Forest and Bird's chief executive, said the statement was "naive and misinformed".
"The SPCA's position on 1080 is a blow to their credibility. It's sad to see them promoting flawed logic."
On Wednesday the SPCA posted a further statement on Facebook thanking people for their feedback - and doubling down on the anti-1080 position.
"We are not anti-population control where it is justified, such as when our native species and biodiversity are at risk," the statement read, calling native birds "taonga" (treasures) and agreeing they need an environment where they can thrive.
"However, our organisation is ultimately about preventing cruelty to all animals. Our New Zealand law recognises all species as sentient and able to feel pain. So where we must take pest control measures, these must be humane."
The SPCA reiterated 1080 was a poison that causes unnecessary suffering and so it could not support its use.
"SPCA wants to see a New Zealand where rather than dropping poison, we are using and investing in humane pest control measures. But to achieve this we need serious investment into the research and development of humane alternatives and we believe there's not enough focus on this currently."
While people have threatened to withdraw their donations from the charity, the SPCA told Newshub it hasn't seen any change.
Newshub.
