The University of Otago quickly hide evidence of the action against the new animal lab

This morning the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society(NZAVS), hung 11,358 cardboard hearts outside where the University of Otago’s new $50 million animal lab is being built.

“11,358 animals were killed by the University of last year for research, teaching and testing, these hearts were meant to symbolize each one of these lives. They were also meant to symbolise the thousands of animals that will be killed at that site, if the new facility is built”, said NZAVS Executive Director Tara Jackson.

Within two hours of the signs being put on the wall by NZAVS volunteers the University of Otago had hired cleaners to remove and throw out the hearts and signs.

“We are really concerned by this reaction. If animal-based research truly was the best and most advanced research method that the University had access to, why would they feel the need to hide it so quickly? stated Miss Jackson.

“The level of secrecy makes us think that perhaps the University aren’t as proud and supportive of animal experimentation as they claim to be”, added Jackson

NZAVS are campaigning to stop the animal lab from going forward. Instead they want the facility to be changed to a non-animal based research facility. They are encouraging supporters to come to their protest outside the Hercus building at 11am this Saturday.

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