In December 2023, New Zealand reported a record number of 602,318 animals used in scientific research, testing, and teaching for 2024, the highest since tracking began in 1987. While this figure is alarming, the underlying issues require more focus. Tara Jackson, co-founder of Beyond Animal Research (Bar), emphasizes that not all of these animals experience harm. Many are involved in non-invasive studies, but combining this data with harmful procedures obscures the extent of the problem.
Key highlights include that nearly 250,000 animals died due to scientific activities in 2024, raising ethical questions, especially with 139,686 animals bred specifically to be euthanized. The reported increase, influenced by the number of fish in studies and multi-year project reporting, lacks important context, making single-year totals misleading.
Transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust in New Zealand’s animal research system. The current reporting only gives a vague overview, missing essential distinctions between harmful and non-harmful research, which hampers policymakers and responsible scientists alike.
In contrast to initiatives like the UK’s roadmap for phasing out animal testing, New Zealand lacks a similar plan. With an election year approaching, these statistics should prompt action for better transparency, investment in alternatives, and a coordinated governmental approach to ethical scientific practices. Jackson argues that inaction is no longer acceptable as society moves toward more ethical science.
