A current affairs report to screen on 60 Minutes tonight will expose an animal breeding facility that is believed to be one of the largest animal-testing facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. A four-month investigation by SAFE, New Zealand's largest animal rights group, has found evidence of unprecedented numbers of beagles being bred and used for animal experiments in New Zealand. Watch 60 Minutes, TV3, 7.30pm, Monday 27 August  SAFE will launch an online petition immediately after the 60 Minutes story demanding three key actions from the Minister of Agriculture. View the site.
Valley Animal Research Centre (VARC) facilities in Hawke's Bay and the Manawatu have over 150 kennels housing mainly beagles destined for experimentation. SAFE understands VARC has a colony of up to 200 beagles and whilst the use of these animals is shrouded in secrecy, it is believed that some of these dogs will die in terminal experiments. Prominent American scientist Dr Jonathan Balcombe from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) will speak on the programme as an authority against the use of animals in research. SAFE recently co-hosted Balcombe's New Zealand book tour. SAFE believes many New Zealanders will be shocked to learn that beagles and other companion animals are being bred and used for cruel animal experiments in New Zealand. Over one quarter of a million living animals will be used for animal research (vivisection) in New Zealand this year. SAFE expects a huge public outcry to follow the programme.
19 August 2007
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