EMOTIONAL TALK SUCCESSFUL

SAFE was thrilled to host American author and scientist Jonathan Balcombe at near-capacity meetings in Auckland and Christchurch. Jonathan works as a research scientist for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and is an expert on animal behaviour and the use of animals in research and education. He is a well-known advocate for animals and is a powerful and credible force against animal experimentation.

Jonathan's talk focussed mainly on his latest book, Pleasurable Kingdom: animals and the nature of feeling good. He delighted his audience with charming anecdotes of animals experiencing enjoyment in food, companionship and sex amongst other things.

"His ground-breaking research into animal pleasure should have wide implications for how people treat and house animals", says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek. "Whilst most people concerned about the welfare of animals would readily accept that animals experience pleasure, have emotions and feel pain, unfortunately our scientific community is slow to recognise these features, often because they are influenced by animal-exploiting industries or funding providers. Jonathan's research needs to be read by the wider scientific community and I believe that positive change will follow for animals", says Hans.

Jonathan was also interviewed by 60 Minutes for a story on animal experimentation that will screen later this month.

04 August 2007