Thousands of people took to the streets in New Zealand's main centres on Tuesday to protest against the testing of party pills on animals.
The Psychoactive Substances Bill, which became law on 17 July, requires manufacturers to prove that legal-high products are safe before sale.
A small crowd gathered at the Octagon in Dunedin. Photo: RNZ
Under the legislation, manufacturers can use animal testing if no other suitable alternative exists.
Chants such as "Why should they die for you to get high" were heard as protesters made their way down Queen Street in central Auckland.
Protest organiser Angela Beer says animal testing is outdated and is imploring the Government to look at other options.
"We march today to say no to animal testing on party pills to keep our children and our animals safe. We march to implore the Government to look at the other numerous alternatives."
Malcolm Tingle, an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Auckland University, says some animal testing may be necessary in order to ensure these substances are safe for humans, but its use will decrease as more alternative tests are developed.
Protests also took place in 13 other towns and cities including Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, where about 120 people and 30 dogs marched through the city to the Octagon.
Thousands took part in the protest on Queen Street in Auckland. Photo: RNZ
