AgResearch has become the first institute in the country to stop forcing animals to swim to prevent them from drowning, a form of animal testing deemed "cruel" by opponents.
The test involves small animals such as rats or mice being made to swim in a beaker of water to measure their response to the threat of drowning. Many researchers have used it to mimic depression or hopelessness in humans.
AgResearch has now updated their code of ethical conduct to remove this from their practice all together.
The legally binding document sets out how its Animal Ethics Committee can approve the use of animals for research, testing and teaching purposes.
It has been updated and now states the committee will "not consider an application that includes the forced swim test".
The test has faced international scrutiny for its lack of effectiveness, something the crown research institute called on when making the decision.
AgResearch said in a statement it marks a significant step forward in pursuing ethical scientific practices.
"Today, AgResearch and its Animal Ethics Committee has taken a significant step towards aligning research practices with our collective commitment to ethical treatment of animals," says Jim Webster the AgResearch animal ethics leader.
Webster called it a pioneering stance, with hopes the rest of the industry will soon follow suit.
"Prohibiting the use of the Forced Swim Test not only underscores our dedication to high scientific standards but also showcases our responsibility to the well-being of all living beings involved in our research endeavors."
NZ Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS), a charity working to end animal experimentation in Aotearoa, has been campaigning against the use of the "cruel" forced swim test in New Zealand for several years and was thrilled with the announcement.
"We know that members of the animal science and research community in NZ are aware of the ethical and scientific issues with the Forced Swim Test, but it’s rare to see a public commitment like this," says Tara Jackson the NZAVS Executive Director.
She said the move was needed and will create room for further progress in ethical scientific research.
"This means that it is now impossible for around a third of all institutes in Aotearoa to use the Forced Swim Test."
