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Forced Swim Test The Forced Swim Test is an animal experiment that forces small animals such as rats or mice to swim in an inescapable beaker of water until they ‘give up’ and float. The test is an invalid attempt to mimic a state of depression or hopelessness in humans. In 2019 SAFE and the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) joined forces and launched a petition calling on the Government to ban this cruel and unscientific animal test from being used at universities in New Zealand. In August, SAFE staff and a dedicated team of volunteers displayed a mobile billboard at the
Kelburn campus of the Victoria University of Wellington along with video footage of the Forced Swim Test. This took place during the university open day to raise awareness of the test among the current and future student body. Many students and members of faculty were shocked to learn that this animal test takes place at the university. The following month, SAFE and NZAVS were joined by over 80 people in another protest on campus. This included individuals from other animal protection groups such as HUHA, Speak Up for Animals and PETA Australia.
We joined forces to launch a petition calling on the Government to ban this cruel and unscientific animal test.
26 ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20
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