A record-breaking year for animals used in NZ science, and why context matters

New Zealand used more animals for science in 2024 than in any year since reporting began in 1987. The raw total, around 250,000, is stark, and it is easy to misread without context.

Some of the rise comes from changes in what gets counted and from one-off large studies. None of that changes the core problem: the number is high, the harm is real, and the methods behind much of it are overdue for replacement.

This is why BAR publishes the working behind the figures. An honest read of the data is what earns the trust to change it.