9/05/18

Tomorrow MPs will be deciding if they will support a petition asking for a mandatory retirement policy for ex-lab animals, to help encourage the rehoming of ex-lab animals and prevent unnecessary euthanasia.

“Thousands of animals are killed after being used for research, testing and teaching in New Zealand every year. Currently there are no laws or regulations in place to protect these animals from being needlessly euthanized”, said NZAVS Executive Director, Tara Jackson.

The NZAVS and HUHA petition asking for a mandatory retirement policy to be established for ex-lab animals in NZ was submitted to parliament last year and had over 16,000 signatures on it. Now the petition is with the Primary Production Select Committee and will be decided upon tomorrow.

“While we are strongly opposed to animal experimentation and we actively campaign to stop this from continuing, there is no reason for the animals who are sadly still being used by the industry to be treated like they are disposable pieces of lab equipment”, Added Miss Jackson.

“During the past week, over 1500 people have sent encouraging messages to the MPs on the Primary Production Select Committee, urging them to make the right decision. Tomorrowthese MPs will be making a life changing decision for animals all over NZ, we are hopeful that they will make the right choice”, said Miss Jackson.

A wide range of animals are used for research testing and teaching in NZ including rats, mice, rabbits, dogs and cows.

"These are remarkable animals who are owed a chance at life and through the lab animals we (HUHA), have rehabilitated, we have seen firsthand the value added to not only the animal’s life, but to human lives as well. The joy and trust these animals develop is an inspiration, a gift and learning experience for all New Zealanders. We hope our Government will see that", stated Founder HUHA-Helping You Help Animals Trust, Carolyn Press-McKenzie.

NZAVS and HUHA are asking members of the public to submit a message to the MPs making this decision here - http://www.outofthelabs.org.nz/emailyourmp.php

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