NZ science stats reveal ongoing animal harm
NZ’s latest science stats show that thousands of animals are still being harmed.
Every year, the New Zealand government releases data on the use of animals for scientific research, testing, and teaching (science). While the headlines change, the long-term trend of animal use sadly does not. Animals are still being used and killed for science in high numbers - and this bleak total isn't going down.
The latest MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) figures, published for 2024, are no exception. But before we dive into the details, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What have the past 10years figures shown us?
A decade of data
Over the past 10 years (2014-2024), NZ has seen millions of animals harmed in science. The numbers paint a confronting picture:
Animals used for science: 3,587,764
Animals used and killed: 1,213,371
Additional (“excess”) animals killed: 1,599,235*
* Because this has only been tracked in NZ since 2019, this figure is an estimate based on the average number of excess animals in NZ from 2019-2024.
Estimated total animal deaths over the past decade: more than 2.8 million!
This includes animals used directly in studies, those killed for their tissues, and those bred but never used.
These statistics are a confronting reality: the harmful use of animals in NZ science is not decreasing. If anything, it's holding steady and at worst - rising. Yet globally, momentum is building for an ethical shift to animal-free science.
Technological innovation, increasing awareness of animal sentience, and legislative changes overseas all support a move away from animal use. So why is New Zealand missing out on this important progress?
Introducing Beyond Animal Research (BAR)
This ongoing, consistent harm to animals in science is exactly why Beyond Animal Research (BAR) was created. Launched on World Day for Animals in Laboratories (April 24, 2025), BAR is a new charity built to be bold and groundbreaking.
Instead of shouting from the sidelines, we recognise and work with those who also want to create lasting change for animals and science.
The Science Alliance for Animals
We’re the science alliance for animals - working with progress, not against it.
Our strategy: Remove the outdated barriers keeping science tied to harmful animal use.
Because when we do, we unlock better outcomes - for animals, people, science, and the planet. Together, we can create a future where animals are no longer harmed in the name of science - and science itself is kinder, stronger, and more human-relevant.
2024 Animal Use in NZ: Key Statistics
Total animals used
Animals killed during or after use
Additional animals killed as excess who were bred but not used
Animals rehomed
Top species used
292,348
Fish
178,637
Cattle
50,460
Sheep
34,719
Mice
10,754
Other / birds
Top species killed
59,418
Fish
32,720
Mice
6,965
Rats
4,174
Sheep
2,617
Guinea pigs
What species were used and killed for science?
How were animals used for science?
Where were animals used for science?
Where did the animals used come from?
So, where to from here?
It's clear from the yearly statistics that New Zealand's reliance on harming animals for science isn't decreasing. But the tools and alternatives to do better are waiting to be used and further developed - we just need the will to act.
Beyond Animal Research is here to help build that will and help path the way to an Aotearoa that leads the world in the ethical use of animals for science.
Together, we can move Aotearoa beyond animal research and toward a more ethical, effective, and forward-thinking science system.
