IMPORTANT NOTE: This document is reproduced for reference purposes only, it contains false and unsubstantiated claims designed to mislead the public. It MUST be viewed in conjunction with its rebuttal (which can be viewed by selecting this link).

 

While all these people wish to see fewer animals used in research, none are calling for its immediate abolition.

That's because they know laboratory animals are humanely cared for and - most importantly - they know about the great benefits for people, pets, farm animals and endangered species.

The strong opposition to animal research comes from the anti-vivisection movement.  This group is concerned about animal rights, rather than animal welfare.  Its members have a conviction that animals and humans are equal.

Animal welfare groups accept that animals may be used for human benefit, so long as they are treated humanely.  Anti-vivisectionists and other animal rightists do not.

They argue that to hold animals in captivity for research, farming, or other human benefit is immoral.  They are opposed to the use of animals and animal products for food, clothing or other purposes.

Their philosophy is not new.  Anti-vivisectionists opposed Louis Pasteur's vaccine for rabies last century, because it involved animals.

They also tragically delayed the introduction of the first effective diptheria vaccine to Britain in the 1930s.  As a result, thousands of British children died unnecessarily in the agony which is part of this horrific disease.

Whether you agree or not with the anti-vivisection philosophy is a matter of personal choice.  But before choosing, it is important to understand the difference between animal welfare and animal rights and what this means for all New Zealanders.

 

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