Otago’s new $50m animal research facility plan – A crime on the future of human health

The New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) are shocked and appalled by Otago University’s recent announcement that they are planning to build a new $50 million, five-storey animal research facility.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Professor Richard Blakie stated that “the [new] facility would future-proof the university's position as a leading scientific institution”.

The Anti-Vivisection and pro-human health group have the following response, “The continuation of animal based research while striving to be a leading scientific institution is an oxymoron. If the deputy vice-chancellor for research and enterprise truly wants Otago University to be a leading scientific institution, then supporting the most relevant and advanced research is vital”.

“Animal based research is not the solution to making advancements in medical research in such fields as Cancer treatments. Cancer has already been cured in mice for decades, it hasn’t been cured in humans yet because anatomically and physiologically we are nothing like the mice they are testing on.”

“The University of Otago, and New Zealand science, would be much better advanced by the $50 million being spent to develop a new facility embracing human-based research methods. Otago should be investing in the best 21st century technology available rather than entrenching the failed and outdated reliance on animal models” Said NZAVS Executive Director, Stephen Manson.

“The University can make a decision to move away from animal based research instead of solidifying it for another 50 years. We are asking members of the public to take action and send a message to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Professor Richard Blakie so that we can stop this lab from being built “added Mr Manson.

Take action now and send an online letter here - www.nzavs.org.nz/no-new-animal-lab-otago

ENDS

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