Animal Research in New Zealand

Most animal research in New Zealand is aimed at increasing the profits of the meat and dairy industries. 38 per cent of the animals used in 2005 were used by commercial researchers. A further 21 per cent were used by government departments and crown research institutes. The remaining 41 per cent were used in experiments at universities and schools. In 2005, only 4.8 per cent were used in medical research.

Animal research in this country is shrouded in secrecy. Although most of the research is funded with public money, few details are released. The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) releases a bland annual report every year assuring us that everything is fine and that the New Zealand regulatory system is one of the best in the world. They say animals are used only when it is absolutely necessary, and that all possible steps are taken to prevent unnecessary and cruel research. This is simply not true.

Painful mutilations, electric shocks, lethal toxicological procedures, cutting, freezing and burning - even without pain relief - are legal. Many laboratory animals are forcibly restrained to undergo cruel experiments that you would never allow your beloved animal companion to endure.

SAFE is calling on Jim Anderton, the Minister responsible for administering the Animal Welfare Act, to launch a ministerial inquiry into the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee's failure to prevent the unnecessary use of animals in experiments and to see a ban on the use of cats and dogs as research animals.

Download the Lifting the Veil of Secrecy on Live Animals report produced in 2003 detailing vivisection in New Zealand. (Note this file is 2.6mg)

Total number of animals used for experiments in New Zealand
2005: 263,214
2004: 246,112
2003: 320,911
2002: 263,684
2001: 318,583