Editorial: Animal tests a concern

When I first heard legal highs may be tested on animals I thought that's not right. I looked at my nearly 2-year-old fox terrier Dollar and thought about how much I wouldn't want him to be a guinea pig for such a test.

I had visions of him doing some crazy stuff. That's not to say that he doesn't already but at least we have some control over that. And what about his fate if he were to be given a legal high? That's too much to think about.

Yes, animal testing is an emotive issue. I'll admit that a few years ago I probably didn't care that much about animal testing. I certainly do now.

The public are already worried about the effects of legal highs on the human species but some seem to have no problem testing them on animals to ensure what? That they are safe for humans to use. Legal highs may be legal but are they safe?

Is that not the reason a bill known as the Psychoactive Substances Bill was passed on Thursday with only Act leader John Banks, opposing it?

He was concerned the area of animal testing had not been addressed.

In 2011, a beagle breeding and research facility was shut down in the Manawatu and the terrible conditions exposed on TV3's Campbell Live.

I didn't own a dog then but I was still upset when I saw the coverage. One of the Rotorua residents spoken to as part of a poll may have a point when she suggested testing legal highs on humans. I say maybe test those of the human species who already enjoy the odd legal high or two instead of making animals pay the price.