There are just two tertiary institutes in New Zealand who have used the Forced Swim Test in the past five years - Victoria University and the University of Otago.
It should be easy for the last remaining universities using this archaic and invalid test to make a commitment not to use it again, in the future. Unfortunately, Victoria University is yet to embrace this progressive decision and that’s where you’re help is needed!
NZAVS and SAFE provided evidence that the Forced Swim Test doesn’t reliably mimic human depression and should, therefore, be abandoned on scientific grounds, to the Vice Chancellor and Animal Ethics Committee of Victoria University. We have recently received a very disappointing reply – they have refused to rule out using the Forced Swim Test in the future!
TAKE ACTION: Send a message urging decision makers at Victoria University to reconsider and join the global shift away from the Forced Swim Test!