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 animals 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 2023, 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 (2013–2023) 

Over the past 10 years, NZ has seen millions of animals harmed in science. The numbers paint a confronting picture:

• Animals used for science: 3,209,494
• Animals used and killed: 1,183,707
• Additional (“excess”) animals killed (2019–2023): 732,624. Because this has only been tracked in NZ since 2019, we estimate the 10-year total to be over 1.5 million.

Estimated total animal deaths over the past decade: more than 2.5 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.

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Our strategy: Remove the outdated barriers keeping science tied to harmful animal use.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.

2023 at a glance: Key stats

• Total animals used: 316,568
• Animals killed during or after use: 126,787
• Additional animals killed as excess who were bred but not used: 110,565
• Animals rehomed: 444

Top species used:

1. Cattle: 127,167
2. Mice: 47,449
3. Other species: 45,357*
4. Sheep: 30,461
5. Fish: 24,310

Top species killed:

1. Other species: 44,696*
2. Mice: 36,572
3. Fish: 18,083
4. Fowls, Chickens: 9,707
5. Rats: 7,151

*In 2023 other species included (but may not be limited to) wallabies, stoats, weasels, ferrets, hedgehogs and axolotyls.

What species were used and killed for science? 

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How were animals used for science?

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Where were animals used for science? 

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Where did the animals used come from?

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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.

Want to be part of the change? Sign up for our latest news and updates - let’s transform the future of science, together.