Every year around 300,000 animals are used for science in Aotearoa, New Zealand and these animals are used in countless ways.

Globally, many animals are used in experiments relating to product testing and medical research. But NZ is unique...the biggest proportion of animals used for science in NZ are used to try and enhance or sustain animal agriculture.

In NZ animals are used in science for:

Research: Animals are used as models in biological and medical research to study human disease, injury, development, psychology, anatomy and physiology.

They are also used in:

• Veterinary research (this includes research relating to companion animals and animals used in farms).
• Basic biological research (the study of living things and their processes).
• Animal husbandry research.
• Environmental management research.
• Research into species conservation.

Testing: Animals are subject to tests to try and assess the safety, efficacy or quality of products, chemicals and other substances.

Teaching: Animals are used in dissections, demonstrations and other teaching exercises in schools, universities and other tertiary institute

And more!

Learn more about the use of animals for science in NZ below.