New Zealand’s research animal figures trigger concern

Animal ethics advisors say 246,667 animals were “manipulated” in experiments and other research, and teaching last year.

This was 22.6 per cent fewer than in 2006, but the National Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) said today figures over a three-year period show this is only a blip in cycle of reports on animal use.

“A rolling average shows little variation from the previous three years,” the committee chairman, John Martin said today.

Reports for animals used in long-term projects are not required every year but usually when the project is completed or ethics approval expires.

Near record levels of animals were being manipulated in 2006: 318,489.

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Tagged as: Animal Ethics, Animal Research, Animals, National Ethics Advisory Committee, New Zealand, Rats