Advocating for a Future Without Animal Experimentation

NZAVS is advocating for lasting changes to New Zealand’s laws, policies and funding systems to create a future where science advances without harming animals.

‍

Creating lasting change for animals

Ending animal experimentation in New Zealand requires changes to the systems that allow harmful animal use to continue.

For over 45 years, NZAVS has been advocating for animals used in research, testing and teaching in Aotearoa. We’ve worked alongside our supporters, scientists, researchers and other organisations to challenge outdated practices, influence government policy and encourage the adoption of animal-free methods.

Our advocacy takes us directly to the people and institutions with the power to create change. From meeting with politicians and making submissions on legislation to collaborating with researchers and mobilising public support, we’re working to make animal-free science a priority for Aotearoa.

Why we advocate for change

Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals continue to be used in scientific research, testing and teaching in New Zealand. While successful animal-free technologies continue to develop, the systems governing scientific research have not fully adapted to support their adoption.

Funding decisions, legislative requirements, institutional practices and a lack of transparency can all contribute to the continued use of animals.

We believe that changing these systems is essential to ending animal experimentation in New Zealand for good.

By advocating for stronger legislation, greater accountability and dedicated investment in animal-free methods, we can help create an environment where researchers and educators are supported to move away from animal use.

‍

What we’re advocating for

Our advocacy focuses on several interconnected priorities that we believe are essential to creating a future without animal experimentation in Aotearoa.

A national roadmap to end animal experimentation

We want the New Zealand Government to commit to developing a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap to phase out animal experimentation and support the transition to animal-free science.

A national roadmap would establish a clear direction for change, identifying opportunities to replace animal use, addressing barriers to adopting alternatives and setting measurable goals for progress.

Rather than relying solely on individual institutions to make changes, we want a coordinated national approach that brings together government, researchers, educators and animal protection organisations.

Stronger legislation and independent oversight

We advocate for changes to New Zealand’s laws to strengthen protections for animals used in science and remove legislative barriers to adopting animal-free methods.

This includes supporting the establishment of an independent oversight body, such as a commissioner for animals, separate from the Ministry for Primary Industries, to improve accountability and transparency around animal use in research, testing and teaching.

Government investment in animal-free science

Scientific innovation needs investment. Through our own W.E. Bradshaw University Innovation Grant, we’re already demonstrating how targeted financial support can help researchers and educators transition away from animal use.

But we believe government investment is essential to achieving change on a national scale. We want the government to allocate dedicated funding towards the development, validation and implementation of animal-free research, testing and teaching methods.

‍

How we turn advocacy into action

Meaningful change requires persistence, collaboration and a willingness to engage directly with decision-makers.

Our advocacy involves a combination of research, public engagement and direct action to influence the policies and practices that shape animal experimentation in Aotearoa.

We do this by:

- Engaging with MPs, political parties and government officials to raise animal experimentation as a policy issue.

- Making submissions on proposed legislation and providing evidence-based recommendations for change.

- Developing research and policy reports that identify opportunities to replace animal use.

- Working alongside scientists, universities and other organisations to encourage the adoption of animal-free methods.

- Mobilising our supporters through petitions, public campaigns and opportunities to engage with decision-makers.

Our approach is non-partisan. We work with people across the political spectrum who are willing to engage with the issue and consider ways to advance science without harming animals.

Our advocacy is making a difference

Changing laws and longstanding institutional practices takes time. Over the years, our supporters have helped us achieve significant milestones for animals in Aotearoa. You can read about our victories here

Support Our Advocacy

Help us create lasting change for animals in Aotearoa.

NZASV does not receive government funding. Our work is made possible by compassionate people who believe that animals deserve better and that science can advance without harming them.  

Monthly donations are especially important because they give us the ongoing support we need to keep making progress. By joining our Animal Defenders Squad, you become part of a community dedicated to transforming the lives of animals used in science.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍