Dogs have been used for science in NZ in a variety of ways, including both non-harmful and cruel/invasive methods.
We've discovered evidence of dogs in NZ being used to:
- Test insecticides, pesticides and other toxins.
- Try and model human disease and other human conditions.
- Measure the safety of food and ingredients.
- Test what pain relief is most effective.
- Research disease detection.
- Research nutrition and how it affects biological functions and food preferences.
- Test the effectiveness of new, possible treatments for skin infections.
- Research performance, nutrition and underlying causes of disease in working dogs. These animals are seen as a vital part of the animal agriculture sector (in 2009, there were 150,000 working dogs in NZ).
- Research fitness and training regimes in police dogs. Police dogs have also been used to train dog handlers.
- Teach vet and vet nurse students basic concepts like animal handling and basic clinical/husbandry skills. Dog cadavers are also used to teach vet students, and some dogs already scheduled to be euthanised by council pounds, are euthanised by vet and vet nurse students as part of their training.
Places that use dogs for science in NZ include private companies, universities, and polytechnics.
Dogs used for science in NZ are sourced from breeding facilities, farms, city council pounds and other public sources.*
*According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, public sources include: Public donations, animals obtained from a pound, a pet shop or other public sources. This includes companion animals who are used for the duration of the exercise (e.g. veterinary nurse training).
Discover real-life examples of how dogs have been used in NZ below!
Testing a new papillomavirus vaccine
Adult colony cats were injected with a new vaccine or a control solution. Regular skin swabs and blood samples were taken.
Testing the effect of dietary fibre in cat food
Cats received three diets for three weeks each. Food intake was measured daily, and urine and faeces were collected for the last 5 days each time.
Determining how common E. coli is in pets
Rectal swaps were taken from cats and dogs presented at veterinary clinics, and their caregivers filled out a questionnaire.
Tracking and killing wild cats
Wild-caught cats were used to train sedation and collar fitting before being killed. Another group of cats was fitted with GPS collars for one year before being tracked down and shot.
Scoring the body condition of colony cats
The body condition score of 101 cats was determined, adding to routinely collected body weight data from the breeding colony.
Testing new toxin at Ngatapa Station
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Testing a possum poison for other animals’ safety
Dogs, chickens and wild-caught cats were fed dead possum. Once they got used to eating this, they were fed possums killed with sodium nitrite, and signs for poisoning were monitored.
Testing nutritional value of new pet food
Cats and dogs were fed a test diet exclusively for several months. Some adults are kept in metabolic chambers for 10 days, and blood samples are taken at the end.
Testing new toxin at Toronui Station
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Surveying caregivers on their cats’ personality
Cat caregivers in Australia and New Zealand filled in an online survey about their cats’ personality traits.
Training staff in wild cat handling
Wild cats are trapped and used to train staff in handling, sedation and collar fitting before they are killed.
Sampling cats’ saliva for feline autoimmune disease
Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from all cats in three British Shorthair breeding catteries.
Measuring vitamins in blood samples
Blood samples were taken from colony cats of different ages.
Collecting blood plasma for tests
Colony cats are switched from wet food to dry food for two days. Blood samples are taken before and after.
Testing a breathing mask on cats and dogs
Cats and dogs were held down tightly and fitted with face masks. Their breathing was measured for a while.
Testing pain medication with lasers
Colony cats were put into small chambers, and a laser was pointed at a shaved skin patch. The influence of medication on their reaction time was measured.
Studying the genes for hairyness
The hairiness of male and female cattle was rated. Some animals had their rectal temperature taken repeatedly, and some were shut in a hot room for two hours to make them sweat. Eight calves were killed to take brain samples.
Optimising fertility treatment
Young female cattle were treated with different hormonal injections to control their fertility cycle. Around ten rectal ultrasounds were done on each of them within 11 days, and several blood samples were taken in the next month. All but nine were artificially inseminated. The nine animals showed no fertility signs and were therefore useless for the study and the industry.
Trying out a health test for breeding bulls
Breeding bulls were infected with a skin fungus that usually results in a dangerous build-up in the gall and eczema. Through a special diet, bulls can be tested for their reactions via repeated blood samples and ranked for their genetic quality.
Testing a vaccine against miscarriage
Younger and older pregnant cattle were injected with a new vaccine against a parasite or just control solution. Skin reactions to the injection were checked, and blood samples were taken. Farmers reported miscarriages when they happened, and dead foetuses were collected if possible. If female calves were born, blood samples were taken from them, too.
Studying Johne’s disease
Some female calves of a group were infected with bacteria causing life-threatening sickness. Poo samples were collected directly from the rectum of all calves every other month. Half were killed to be dissected at 7 months, the rest at 15 months.
Studying Johne’s disease bacteria
Blood samples were taken from sick dairy cows who were sent to slaughter to see if their immune system was even putting up a fight. After slaughter, organ samples were taken.
Finding a gene to increase casein in milk
Breeding bulls were evaluated on their quality by judging, breeding, and milking their daughters. No exact numbers are stated how many lived to the end of the study (5 lactations).
Testing a new way to treat liver flukes
Young cattle were infected with liver flukes. They were treated with different medications or left untreated. Regular blood samples were taken from all animals for three weeks, and they were killed ten weeks later.
Studying effects of stunning before slaughter
Calves and sheep were anaesthetised. Some got 70-volt shocks to the shoulder. Others had a nerve exposed and stimulated before being stunned or cutting their throat.
Measuring brain reactions to stunning after killing
Calves were fasted for 24 hours and then anaesthetised. They were killed by their throats being cut, followed by stunning while measuring EEG/ECG (electronic heart and brain activity) and blood pressure.
Measuring brain reactions to stunning
Calves were fasted, anaesthetised and stunned with a non-penetrative bolt while being monitored for their response. After measurements were taken, they were killed.
Studying brain reactions to cutting blood vessels or neck tissue
Calves were anaesthetised, and their throat blood vessels exposed. While monitoring the brain“s activity (EEG) and blood pressure, either only the blood vessels or only the neck tissue was cut. The latter animals were then killed, too.
Measuring if being slaughtered is unpleasant
Calves were fasted, anaesthetised, and killed by cutting their throat. EEG and ECG (recording electronic heart and brain activity) were measured with electrodes in the head.
Measuring brain reactions to pain
Twenty calves were fasted and anaesthetised. Their horn buds were removed with a scoop, and pain response of the heart and brain with and without pain blockers.
Testing mastitis treatments
Dairy cows with an udder infection were treated with different antibiotic injections. Milk samples were taken to monitor results.
Trying to clone cows with more valuable milk protein
The genetic material of a cow foetus was manipulated and cloned into several cows. When they were less than one year old, they were injected with hormones to produce milk for sampling.
Testing a “Kiwiball” to teach kiwi aversion to dogs (2014)
Dogs were exposed to a device mimicking a kiwi bird, getting an electric shock upon touching it. The learning effect was tested several weeks later.
Testing a morphine alternative for pain
Dogs undergoing castration were treated with different pain relief and their pain response was measured. During surgery, EEG was measured to see differences in response to the process. After surgery, the pain level was determined through a behavioural assessment several times.
Studying selenium metabolism
Animals were fed diets with different selenium supplementation for three weeks in individual metabolic chambers. A liver biopsy was taken under anaesthesia.
Studying selenium metabolism
Cats and dogs were fed diets with different selenium supplementation for three weeks in individual metabolic chambers. A liver biopsy was taken under anaesthesia.
Testing treatment of a neurodegenerative disease
Dogs with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS IIIA) received medication, either from birth or 12 weeks to 23 weeks of age. One group received a placebo. Drugs were given under anaesthesia, either as injections into the vein or close to the brain. At 23 weeks old, all puppies were killed and their brains removed.
Evaluating the efficiency of kiwi aversion training
Dogs who had experienced either none, one or two times of kiwi aversion training with shock collars were observed near a caged live kiwi.
Testing a “Kiwiball” to teach kiwi aversion to dogs (2010)
Dogs were exposed to a device mimicking a kiwi bird, getting an electric shock upon touching it. The learning effect was tested several weeks later.
Trying out genetically sick dogs as models for human disease
Dogs with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IIIA were bred within an experimental colony. As part of characterizing them as a model for testing, the dogs were killed for dissection.
Testing new toxin against stoats and wild pets
Dogs, cats and stoats were fed different versions of toxic bait. Symptoms and time of death were monitored. Four dogs and two cats survived, but their fate is not stated.
Testing a pesticide as dog poison
Pound dogs were fed poison in different concentrations and different bait. More than half died within 4 hours.
Studying fish behaviour in groups of multiple species
Mixed-species groups of fish (partly caught in the wild) were placed in a tank and fasted for 24 hours. Food was given and an artificial predator was used to study behaviour.
Studying food chains near CO2 vents
Fish and snails were observed and counted near CO2 vents and at control sites. Fish were also caught to examine their stomach content.
Studying fish behaviour in single-species groups
Young fish were caught in the wild and split into groups of 15, 75, and 150 animals. After being fasted for 24 hours, food was given and an artificial predator was used to study behaviour.
Testing the side-bias of fish (if they prefer to swim left or right)
Wild-caught fish were kept for 1.5 years before each fish was placed on a runway to observe their behaviour. Afterwards, fish were observed for schooling movements and some were killed to dissect their brains.
Studying effects of Climate Change on farming in damselfish
Fish were observed for their algae farming behaviour near CO2 vents and at control sites (Bay of Plenty). Small areas were covered to keep the fish away for a month and compare algae growths measured to compare.
Trying to estimate habitat quality from body condition
Snappers were hatched from eggs and raised on commercial food. They were kept in 800-litre flow-through tanks containing 170 to 260 fish each. At 80 days, they were fasted killed.
Trying different techniques for tagging fish
Fish were bait-trapped and treated for parasites. They were used to test different tagging methods. In the second part of the experiment, fish were caught with two different methods, after which injuries and survival over 12 days were monitored.
Studying fish near volcanic vents to learn about Climate Change
Fish near volcanic CO2 vents and at control sites were observed and counted. The reaction to baited underwater cameras and predator threats was filmed. Aquarium experiments were conducted with caught fish of different species.
Verifying “fish-friendly” flood pumps
Eels were caught, measured and tagged with transponders into the gut skin. They were later re-captured, observed for wounds and fungus and killed to examine internal damage.
Testing the temperature tolerance of Antarctic fish
Wild-caught fish were kept individually for months in tanks. During temperature experiments, fish of each group were tested for their breathing ability in small tubes before all fish were killed.
Slowly poisoning fish
Snappers were fasted for three days and then fed with toxic fish. Several died during feeding, and the rest were killed at the end.
Studying population changes in reef fish
Over 1,000 fish were caught by spearing at three NZ locations.
Testing the hearing of fish
Fish were anaesthetised and strapped to a plastic slide near an underwater speaker. Electrodes were placed in their head and gills to measure brain activity. For medical imaging, fish were restrained in a plastic tube with a sponge to keep them wet.
Developing a model for thermal stress in humans
Guinea pig pups were lightly anaesthetised, connected to devices measuring heart activity and breathing, and wrapped in a temperature-controlling blanket. Their body temperature was either forcefully raised or dropped.
Testing how too much fructose is bad during pregnancy
Female guinea pigs were mated; some were fed additional sugary water until birth. The pups were used for several glucose tolerance tests and X-rays. All pups were killed in the end.
Testing a seizure medicine for preterm babies
Pregnant guinea pigs were induced to give birth early, to test medication on their pups.
Testing the effects of sedatives
Young guinea pigs were treated with different sedatives. Their heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and during each treatment.
Testing an refined way of anaesthesia in guinea pigs
Guinea pigs were made to inhale anaesthetic gases. Different probes were inserted and attached to the animals to measure responses.
Studying the effect of fructose during pregnancy
Guinea pigs were fed either normally or supplemented with fruit sugar before and during pregnancy until birth. Mothers and pups were tested for glucose tolerance.
Studying the effects of meth
Guinea pigs were injected with sedatives, caffeine, and later meth. Under anaesthesia, their livers were cut out before they were killed.
Studying preterm birth effects on the brain
Pregnant guinea pigs were grouped to give birth normally or be induced early. The pups were put through behavioural tests and then killed for dissection.
Studying trauma and treatment of cochlear implants
After destroying their hearing with noise, guinea pigs were fitted with cochlear implants. Treatment success was tested before they were killed.
Testing the measurement of pupil reflexes in Alzheimer’s research
Guinea pigs were repeatedly flashed in the eyes with a phone light to record the pupil responses.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Investigating mechanisms slowing down the heart rate
Young guinea pigs were injected with blood thinner before being anaesthetised and dissected.
Testing a device to assess hearing
Young guinea pigs were anaesthetised, electrodes placed under their skin, and their brain's response to sound was measured. All guinea pigs had one ear damaged, some both ears, before all were killed.
Studying changes in the inner ear due to inflammation
Guinea pigs were injected into the ear with bacteria. Medical scans were done after injecting chemicals, and most were killed for dissection.
Studying the effects of medication on memory
Guinea pigs were force-fed different drugs and later tested in a water maze before some were killed. Another group was exposed to carbon dioxide and decapitated.
Studying how anaesthetics affect intestine movement
Guinea pigs and rats were anaesthetised, then dissected, and then killed, in that order.
Researching scoliosis genes
Transgenic mice with a specific gene defect were mated. Pregnant mice were at several time points. The unborn babies were taken, skinned, and gutted to stain their skeletons for better pictures.
Studying hormone influences on obesity and fertility
Transgenic mice were bred to have diabetes symptoms. Together with control mice, they were fed a normal or a high caloric diet and compared for their fertility over 150 days.
Testing a new stroke treatment
Mice were squeezed into plastic cones, and test drugs were dripped on their nose. An artificial stroke was caused by injecting a chemical into their brain. Before and after, mice had to perform behavioural tests. All were then killed to take their brains.
Testing another new stroke treatment
Mice were operated on several times. They were made to experience an artificial stroke, were later injected with a possible treatment, and then were injected with a marker. The mice had their memory tested before they were killed.
Testing prostate cancer drugs
Mice were anaesthetised, and their prostate was injected with cancer cells or a control solution. A 42-day treatment course started three weeks later with different treatment drugs and control solutions. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing a heart attack treatment
Mice were trained to eat jelly and then subjected to an artificial heart attack. They received either a new drug or a control substance. Regular heart ultrasounds were performed before they were killed and dissected.
Studying ovary problems caused by testosterone
Transgenic mice were implanted with a capsule containing either hormones or not. Vaginal smears were done for several weeks, and serial blood tests were performed twice. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing an Autism treatment on transgenic mice
Mice were genetically modified to show "autism-like" symptoms. Together with control animals, they were either fed normally or with a high-zinc diet. Invasive behavioural tests were performed. At least some, likely all, were killed.
Comparing transgenic mice and humans
Mice were anaesthetised, and their body composition was measured several times. Their grip strength and balance were tested with lab equipment. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing a new stroke drug for better dexterity
Transgenic mice were anaesthetised, and an artificial stroke was caused. They then received either a test drug or a control solution. After recovery, their food was limited to test their fine motor skills every other week. After two months, they were killed.
Testing migraine drugs
Mice were injected with potential migraine drugs and anaesthetised. Ultrasound imaging of their ears was taken. One ear was rubbed with capsaicin to record the increased blood flow and compare different drugs, doses, and time points.
Killing rats and mice for tissue
Rats and mice were anaesthetised, and their necks were broken. Their tissue was then used for research.
Studying Alzheimer’s and stroke symptoms
One group of transgenic mice were bred and killed at either four or 12 months of age by flushing their hearts. Another group was anaesthetised and caused to have a stroke. They were killed the same way.
Testing Alzheimer’s treatment on mice
Transgenic and “normal” mice were injected with a special protein and a chemical to mark new brain cells that may have been produced.
Testing a new Alzheimer’s drug
Newborn mice were killed to collect brain tissue. Adult mice were used to test drug reactions. They were anaesthetised twice; to inject the drugs and to flush their hearts and take their brains.
Testing if anaesthesia affects the sleep–wake cycle when combined with light treatment
Mice were kept on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and then switched to total darkness. During this time, they were exposed to light once, either with or without anaesthesia. The effect on their activity cycles was monitored. In the end, all were killed.
Harvesting colon tissue for laboratory tests
Pigs were killed and their colon tissue was used for laboratory testing.
Testing if pigs can be fed by-products from biofuel and food processing
Pigs were fed a standard diet or a diet containing by-products from other industries. They were slaughtered to compare meat growth and quality.
Studying starch digestion in pigs to try and model humans
Pigs were fed different diets containing durum wheat or rice. Some had regular blood samples taken through a catheter. All the animals were killed at the end.
Validating a treatment for stomach muscle dysfunctions
Pigs were anaesthetised, their bellies were opened, and electrodes were placed on their stomach walls before and after damaging some stomach tissue with heat. All pigs were killed.
Assessing pigs as digestion models for humans
Titanium tubes were implanted into pigs’ intestines. Digested food was collected through the tube for 9 hours.
Testing the effect of different species’ milk on brain gene expression
Piglets were fed different kinds of milk from other species for 15 days. They were killed to dissect their brains.
Testing transmitter implantation on wild pigs
Wild pigs were captured, and three different tracking devices were fixed to or implanted into each one. After 104 days, they were tracked down and killed.
Investigating oxygen content in the gut
Pigs were fed diets with different or no protein sources as a control. After a week, all were killed.
Testing a UV treatment for bacterial eye infection
Pigs’ eyes were acquired for testing a new treatment, followed by tests on live mice, most of whom were killed.
Testing the effect of different species’ milk on protein digestion
Piglets were fed different kinds of milk from other species for 15 days. They were killed to dissect their stomachs.
Testing the strain on a temporary surgical implant
A surgical implant was screwed to a severed pig head, and measurements were taken via laser scanning.
Investigating intestine movements
Young pigs and NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised. A part of their intestine was pulled out far enough to record its movements and signalling.
Harvesting rabbit and pig eyes for lab tests
The eyes of slaughtered rabbits and pigs killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
Harvesting eyes for lab tests
The eyes of pigs and rabbits killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
Testing a treatment for stomach muscle dysfunctions
Pigs were anaesthetised, their bellies were opened, and electrodes were placed on their stomach walls before and after damaging some stomach tissue with heat. All pigs were killed.
Testing how electric stimulation affects stomach movements
Nine pigs were anaesthetised, their bellies were opened, and electrodes were placed on the stomach walls. Electric stimulation tests were performed before the pigs were killed.
Studying how ageing affects brain chemistry
Rats were kept in germ-free, individual cages before being killed. Their brains were used for tests.
Studying teen binge drinking
Young rats were force-fed alcohol repeatedly. Each time, blood samples were taken, and some were killed to take their brains after each alcohol day. The remaining rats were put through behavioural tests a few months later.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Testing medications for drug addiction
Rats were taught to inject themselves with cocaine when they pressed a lever. Through many cycles of establishment and withdrawal, medications were tested for their effect on drug-seeking behaviour. Other rats were tested for their activity level on cocaine with or without medication. Some were put into water-filled cylinders to examine if medication influences how long they swim.
Testing effects of meth on brain protein
Rats were taught to inject themselves with meth or a saline solution when they pressed a lever. After 20 days, there were two weeks of abstinence. In the end, all were killed to dissect their brains.
Testing new drug formulations
Rats and rabbits were injected with a new anaesthetic, pinching their paw repeatedly to measure reflexes. Rats were giving the medication until they died.
Testing blood pressure drugs against seizures
Rats were implanted with devices to measure heart and brain activity through induced seizures without being anaesthetised. They were killed two days later, and their hearts were taken.
Studying the effect of prolactin on the brain
Virgin rats and rats who recently gave birth had a cannula (tube) placed in their brain and were injected with medication. They were injected with prolactin after two days and killed an hour later to dissect their brains.
Testing a surgical treatment for hypertension with diabetes
Transgenic rats were injected to develop diabetes. Their kidney nerves were surgically destroyed. They were restrained for measurements and sampling regularly. In the end, they were all killed.
Testing a new pain medication
Rats were operated on to cause pain build-up in their hind leg. After 10 days, they were injected with different variations of a drug or just a control solution. The effect was tested by poking their hurting leg and having them balance.
Trying to study depressants and antidepressants
Rats were kept isolated or in groups for nine weeks. They were injected with different drugs and put through behavioural tests (the notorious Forced Swim Test, among others). In the end, all were killed.
Studying how anaesthetics affect intestine movement
Guinea pigs and rats were anaesthetised, then dissected, and then killed, in that order.
Studying hormone sensitivity of the brain
Female rats were mated, gave birth and cared for their babies for three weeks. They had prolactin injected below the skull. They were killed, and their brains were removed.
Harvesting rabbit and rat hearts for lab tests
NZ White rabbits and rats were killed to use their hearts in lab tests.
Testing digestion of a pig food
Rats were fed a pig food and killed to examine their intestines.
Testing how heart calcium metabolism is different in species
Guinea pigs and rats were decapitated, and their hearts were quickly removed to study them.
Testing out cloning as a breeding tool
Cloned embryos were implanted into 17 mother sheep but all the pregnancies failed.
Undernourishing sheep to test glucose metabolism of their babies
Sheep were fed normally or only every three days. Some were killed during pregnancy. Born lambs were subjected to repeated glucose tolerance tests and killed.
Testing a medication for vocal chord injuries
Sheep were anaesthetised, tissue samples were taken from their vocal folds, and most were treated with different medications. All were killed after one month.
Testing if pre-term birth injections compromise glucose metabolism
Pre-term and full-term lambs were subjected to glucose tests, regular blood samples and a constant glucose infusion. Some were killed at four weeks, the rest at one-year-old.
Studying the effect of Huntington’s disease on ageing
Transgenic sheep were produced through breeding, and blood samples were taken.
Testing a first aide drug for severe bleeding
Sheep were anaesthetised and 30% of their blood was drained. After being treated with different medications, the drained blood was returned, and the sheep were killed.
Studying ear posture while in pain
Lambs had their tails docked with a tight rubber band without pain relief. Their pain behaviour was recorded.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Training students in surgical procedures
Pigs and sheep were used for training future surgeons.
Teaching students surgical techniques
Sheep and pigs were used and killed in teaching students.
Studying effects of stunning before slaughter
Calves and sheep were anaesthetised. Some got 70-volt shocks to the shoulder. Others had a nerve exposed and stimulated before being stunned or cutting their throat.
Investigating intestine movements
Young pigs and NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised. A part of their intestine was pulled out far enough to record its movements and signalling.
Harvesting rabbit and pig eyes for lab tests
The eyes of slaughtered rabbits and pigs killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
Causing sinusitis in rabbits as a model
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and a sinus tract in their nose was blocked for four weeks to cause sinusitis. After another ten weeks with regular samples, they were killed.
Testing a new vaccine
NZ White rabbits were injected with a new vaccine type several times before being killed.
Harvesting eyes for lab tests
The eyes of pigs and rabbits killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
Testing the toxicity of some substances
Young NZ White rabbits were force-fed different doses of toxic substances. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after killing them at set time points (or to end their suffering).
Using a new imaging technology
One NZ White rabbit and rats were killed, and their eyes were removed to use for the study.
Measuring contractions in exposed rabbit uteruses
Pregnant rabbits were anaesthetised, and their uterus was exposed. Measurements were taken while contraction-inducing injections were given. Then they were all killed for dissection.
Mapping wave patterns of the small intestine
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, their intestines were used for electrode mapping, and then they were killed.
Studying presence of a virus in rabbits
Wild rabbits were shot, caught by dogs or trapped to test them for virus strains. The infectious solution was then fed to NZ White rabbits in a lab to kill them later.
Harvesting rabbit colons for lab tests
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, a part of their intestine was cut out, and then they were killed.
Harvesting rabbit bladders for lab tests
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, their bladder was cut out, and then they were killed.
Testing an antimicrobial eye medication
NZ White rabbits were treated with Manuka honey solution in one eye and a control solution in the other eye for five days. Different values like tearing and irritation were measured.
Using muscles of dead rabbits for imaging
Two NZ White rabbits were killed to use for detailed muscle imaging.
Measuring jaw bone growth in young rabbits
Young rabbits were anaesthetised and had holes drilled into their jawbones to implant small pieces of metal. X-ray scans were made, and the rabbits were killed.
Testing the welfare impact of pindone toxin
Three groups of young NZ White Rabbits received pindone-toxin pellets on different schedules. Any rabbit still alive after three weeks was killed.