SPCA Alarmed By Steep Rise In Suffering

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

For Immediate Release: 11 October 2001

SPCA ALARMED BY STEEP RISE IN SUFFERING

The Royal New Zealand SPCA is both sickened and alarmed at a steep rise in animals subjected to very severe suffering in research, testing and teaching.

Figures released in the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee's 2000 annual report show an increase of almost 100% in the "very severe suffering" category.

"We find such an increase totally unacceptable, especially when it comes on the back of an increase of 180% for the previous year" says Peter Mason, SPCA national president.

"We are appalled that there has been an increase of more than 450% in the very severe suffering category from 1998 to 2000," he adds.

"When you also consider that there has been an overall increase of 30% in animals used during 2000, it is clear that the principle endorsed by the NAEAC of replacement, reduction and refinement of the numbers of animals used is simply not working" says Mr Mason.

The SPCA is to write to agricultural minister Jim Sutton to urge an immediate inquiry into the reasons for these increases.

For further information, please contact: Peter Mason Telephone: 0-4-389 4609 Mobile: 025 461 680 Email: president@rnzspca.org.nz

Released by Ian Morrison, Matter of Fact Communications Tel: 09 575 3223, Fax: 09 575 3220, Email: matfact@ww.co.nz

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