Massey University has become the first New Zealand institute to publicly commit to replacing the use of animals for science!
Massey University has just published a clear Statement of Intent on its website that it is - “committed to replacing the use of animals for science, wherever possible, as technology permits.”
This statement of intent signals to the university’s current and future students, as well as to more than 100 institutes around Aotearoa, that it takes replacing the use of animals for science seriously.
We applaud this ‘scientific breakthrough’, and we thank Massey University for leading the way in Aotearoa for animals used in science.
MASSEY IS LEADING THE WAY IN NZ
Massey University is now leading the way, and government leadership for animals used in science is yet again severely lacking.
Through our Striking at the Source campaign and together with members of the science and research industry - NZAVS has repeatedly presented a ‘case for scientific change’ to the New Zealand Government and at a pivotal Select Committee earlier this year to ultimately replace and, therefore, phase out the harmful use of animals for science in Aotearoa.
As part of that case, we have pushed for policy and law change for Aotearoa to categorically commit to phasing out the use of animals for science as technology permits. By doing so, New Zealand will match other jurisdictions like the US, UK and the EU that have set a clear direction at the government level for institutes using animals for science to adhere to.
We are not asking our government to ‘jump into the abyss’ but simply asking them to ‘catch up’ and prove it is a world leader for animals used in science. Only then will animals no longer needlessly die in the name of science.
Right now, we need New Zealand to ‘catch up’ and ‘step up’ in terms of best practices for using and funding innovative animal-free methods.
By making this clear public statement, Massey University is now forging a path in Aotearoa to encourage both. That is why we say this is a ‘scientific breakthrough’ for animals.
For an industry player to make a powerful change before the government intervenes is MASSIVE. This cannot be underestimated.
* To be clear: This victory does not mean that Massey University has ended the use of animals for science.
It means that they are committed to replacing the use of animals for science, wherever possible, as technology permits. Making a public commitment like this shows that they share the same vision as we all do - a future Aotearoa where no animals are harmed in the name of science.
