The spiking of Aim toothpaste (produced by the notorious vivisectors Unilever) with tomato sauce to depict the blood of laboratory animals, in addition to drawing attention to World Day for Laboratory Animals, gave your editor an unexpected opportunity to air her grievance about the suspicious inadequacies of this country's politicians.

The following is a sample of the questions and your editor's replies when questioned by the Police, TV1 and Radio New Zealand - after they had read her the press release sent to the media by the activists.

Question What do you think of the Press Release?
Answer I agree with it. Everything is quite correct.

Question Do you condone/agree with such actions?
Answer Whether I agree with it or not is of no consequence. I think this issue won't go away, more likely it will explode. It makes no difference what I think.

Question Can we ask you some questions?
Answer Yes. But first I have a question. Why has NZAVS never received the result of its Petition to Parliament presented through legitimate channels on 24 April 1989 and debated (!) by Select Committee over four years ago on 20 March 1991. One hundred thousand, six hundred and forty signatories of this Petition are asking questions. Is this Petition recorded - or is it deliberately buried away and forgotten?

Question Have you any idea who is responsible for spiking the toothpaste?
Answer Yes. Chairman of the Primary Production Select Committee (then arms dealer) Mr Ross Meurant, who was given evidence that vivisection is a harmful fraud carried out for profit at the expense of countless human and animal lives. I think in covering up this Petition Meurant is responsible for today's incident.

Question Don't you agree that these animal activists are irresponsible?
Answer No. They are neither irresponsible nor stupid. Their intelligence should not be under-estimated. They are knowledgeable and extremely concerned. I think they did what they did today because they have no recourse through legitimate channels.

Question Do you think their action is justified?
Answer Yes. I consider it disgraceful that the legal system leaves those with a justified grievance to be forced to use such tactics. They are frustrated. I think we are fortunate they did not choose a harsher way to air their dissatisfaction.

Question Mr Murray Papps of Unilever claims his company's products must be tested on animals by law?
Answer This is incorrect. Mr Papps' statement is based on convenience. There is no such "law". The Regulatory Authorities are made up of those who hold lucrative key jobs/interests/connections with contract laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, animal breeding establishments etc. They merely "recommend" animal tests because it is in their interests to do so.

Question Mr Papps also claims his company's products must be tested on animals to protect the consumer.
Answer Again incorrect. Animal tests do not protect the consumer. They are an industry in their own right. In 1988 a US Declaration of Concern and Support demanded an end to animal testing of consumer products on the grounds that "such tests are neither scientific or humane". It was signed by hundreds of prominent members of the medical profession. many products are available which are not tested on animals. For example: 'Down to Earth' manufactured by vivisectors Reckitt & Colman, safe, non-animal tested product is the result of pressure from anti-vivisectionists.

Question Are there any alternatives to the use of animals?
Answer No. "Alternative" indicates a different route to the same objective. Today's objective of health through the route of animal torture is fraudulent because profit and not health is the real target. The inconclusive animal alibi is the means to that profit and the route is littered with the inevitable human victims.

The interviews resulted in your editor being screened for eight seconds on TV1, slightly longer on National Radio.

Summary When future generations look back in horror and disbelief at the practices carried out today in our God-fearing society, and at the respected people, like Mr Murray Papps of animal torturers Unilever, who spoke in defence of them, it is hoped they spare a thought for the "irresponsible activists" without whom the "reform" would never have come about.

For details of animal testing of consumer products read:
Animal Research Takes Lives - Humans and Animals Both Suffer