Media release: Friday 24th July 2009

Animal Researcher should resign from SPCA say activists

Animal rights activists have revealed that an SPCA boss is directly involved in cruel animal experiments at Massey University. Debbie Chesterfield, chairperson of the Manawatu SPCA, is employed by Massey University to manage their animal research breeding facility.

The National Anti Vivisection Campaign say this is a huge conflict of interest and is calling for her resignation. "Massey University uses up to 30,000 animals in experiments every year. Massey is the only University that reported using both cats and dogs in experiments. Other species used included rabbits, guinea pigs horses, sheep, cattle, mice and rats. An ex Massey staff member also runs New Zealands only commercial beagle dog testing company in the Manawatu" says the NAVC spokesperson Mark Eden.

"The animals used in experiments at Massey are bred and held at the Animal Research Unit on the main Palmerston North campus, which is managed by Debbie Chesterfield. As such she takes part in experiments, kills animals and supplies animals for experiments on a daily basis".

"There is no way Debbie Chesterfield should be allowed to hold any sort of office in the SPCA. The SPCA are supposed to be opposed to animal experiments and she is directly involved in animal experimentation at Massey University" said NAVC spokesperson Mark Eden.

A petition to the Manawatu SPCA demanding her resignation has been started and signatures will be collected in the Palmerston North Square on Saturday morning before the regular protest against a local beagle testing laboratory.

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[See also... Response to anti-vivisection campaign group - Massey University]

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