Animal Research Report Lacks Information

Animal research report lacks information, say animal rights activists.

Press Release:
National Anti Vivisection Campaign
7pm, Thursday July 24th, 2003

Anti-vivisection campaigners are criticising the lack of information in the annual report of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC), released today.

Mark Eden, of the National Anti Vivisection Campaign, says the report contains no detail about what really happens in laboratories in New Zealand.

"Once a year, this bland report comes out, and thats all we are given. Hundreds of thousands of animals are being killed in experiments all over the country, and the institutions that carry out these experiments, often with public money, refuse to release detailed information on the types of experiments being carried out" said Mr Eden.

"The law provides for anonymous 'animal ethics committees' made up mostly of animal researchers, who meet in secret and approve experiments without any oversight or public input. Why should we have any faith in this system? If animal researchers are convinced that what they are doing is ethically and scientifically justifiable, why is it all done in secret? Why isn't the public allowed to know?"

"For example, last year, 805 guinea pigs were used in experiments rated 'very severe suffering'. Why are there no details of who conducted this research and why. Can NAEAC provide evidence to justify why these experiments were necessary?"

"Animals are dying in disgusting, pointless experiments in labs up and down the country. The vivisection industry relies on secrecy because they know they cannot justify what they are doing. The government is supporting animal cruelty by continuing to fund and defend the vivisection industry." said Mr Eden

The National Anti Vivisection Campaign was formed late last year to campaign against animal experiments in New Zealand.

For more information including details of experiments happening in your local labs, contact NAVC on 04 3856728 or 021 158 6554

Email: navc@animal-liberation.org.nz

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