Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jul 2013
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2013 Fairfax New Zealand Limited
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: Caroline King

OUTCRY AT TESTS ON ANIMALS

Overwhelming support: More than 1000 people - many with dogs at their 
side - gathered in Cathedral Square to protest against the testing of 
legal highs on animals.

The demonstration was one of several around the country, held 
yesterday to coincide with Parliament sitting.

Protesters, armed with placards bearing messages including "torture 
for profit" and "my life is in your hands", chanted "we shouldn't die 
for you to get high".

The Psychoactive Substances Bill, which comes into force tomorrow, 
allows limited testing of party pills and synthetic cannabis on 
animals if no suitable alternatives can be found.

Organisers presented a submission to National MP Nicky Wagner's office.

Wagner was in Parliament and not present to receive the submission.

New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society national officer manager Stephen 
Mason said he was "overwhelmed" by the turnout.

Mason hoped the strong public pressure would make politicians take 
notice and ban testing party pills on animals.

Among those at the march was Hilary Calvert and her two St Bernards, 
Leo and Penny.

Calvert said she had never protested in her life but as an animal 
lover felt she could not stand by.

"It's very important for us to be here. They [animals] need a voice."

Carolyn Palmer took the day off work to attend and brought her 
bearded collie Sassy and her daughter's rottweiler Kojo.

She felt party pills should be banned. "Testing on dogs is extremely 
cruel. In this day and age I can't believe it's still happening."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom