Source: Beyond Animal Research
More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025
New Government statistics released today by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) show that 274,985 animals were used in research, testing and teaching (RTT) in New Zealand during 2025.
The figures also reveal that 181,043 animals ultimately lost their lives because of the research, testing and teaching system. This includes 99,711 animals killed during or for research, testing and teaching, and a further 81,332 animals bred for research but never used before being killed as “excess” animals.
Beyond Animal Research (BAR), a New Zealand charity dedicated to working with the science community to replace harmful animal use with modern scientific methods, says the figures highlight the need to accelerate New Zealand’s transition towards animal-free science.
“While the total number of animals used has decreased compared with 2024, these figures show that more than 181,000 animals still lost their lives because of New Zealand’s research, testing and teaching system,” says Tara Jackson, Co-Founder of Beyond Animal Research.
“Almost half of these animals were never used in any scientific procedure. They were bred for the research, testing and teaching system, but were ultimately killed as excess.
This is a profound waste of sentient lives, and one that deserves far greater public attention.”
The five most commonly used species in 2025 were cattle (69,579), sheep (58,016), fish (56,506), mice (45,553) and fowls/chickens (10,730).
The species most commonly killed during or for research, testing and teaching were mice (43,334), fish (34,302), fowls/chickens (9,227), rats (6,270) and sheep (1,897).
BAR emphasises that the annual statistics require careful interpretation. Not every animal included in the figures undergoes invasive procedures or experiences significant suffering, and annual totals naturally fluctuate because some long-term projects are only reported when they conclude.
“Looking at one year’s statistics in isolation doesn’t tell the full story,” says Jackson.
“But what these figures do tell us is that New Zealand continues to rely on the harmful animals in research, testing and teaching, despite rapid advances in animal-free technologies around the world.”
Jackson says New Zealand now needs a coordinated strategy to accelerate the uptake of these approaches.
“The tools to transition exist. The alternatives are improving. The science is evolving. What we need now is to remove long-standing barriers across institutions, regulators and government so New Zealand can accelerate the uptake of modern, animal-free methods wherever they can replace harmful animal use.”
“Working with the science community and not against, BAR believes that real progress comes from trust, collaboration and transparency. By working together, as a science alliance for animals, Aotearoa New Zealand has the opportunity to become a global leader in scientific innovation that no longer involves animal suffering.”
- BAR is a science alliance for animals working with progressive scientists, institutes and organisations from the animal science and research community in NZ and beyond.
- Our science advisors are highly respected figures in the international scientific community, recognising BAR as a revolutionary charity – the first of its kind, created to unite for animals and scientific progress.
- Together, we believe in an Aotearoa, New Zealand that leads the world in the ethical use of animals for science.
The full report from MPI can be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/animals-research-testing-teaching/statistics-on-the-use-of-animals-in-research-testing-and-teaching
A summary of the key statistics from 2025 can be found on the latest Blog from BAR: https://www.beyondanimalresearch.org.nz/post/nz-government-releases-2025-animal-use-statistics