Social Credit recognises a government's responsibility...
introduction of policy relating vivisection as a public health issue

It was directly due to the courage and tenacity of NZAVS Northland Coordinator, Mauritia de Strickland that the Social Credit party accepted this important remit at its Conference on 29 August 1983. Mauritia skillfully manoeuvred the remit to its final successful achievement and the following is a modest account of what was a long and difficult battle - to have a political party acknowledge vivisection as a leading moral and public health issue of our time:

"The anti-vivisection lobby made a breakthrough into the political arena when Remit A.83/26 was carried into Social Credit policy on 29 August 1983. Within minutes of the closing of the Conference the news was telephoned to NZAVS headquarters which cabled details to its overseas colleagues in U.K. and USA"
- Mauritia de Strickland

The policy

"To encourage alternative research methods and the elimination of animal experimentation (vivisection) and tests (LD50 and Draize)"

"This is a turning point. As an election is approaching, it is time to press for change... to make known your demand for the introduction of existing alternative methods... to phase out the evil practice of vivisection which results are unknown diseases (such as AIDS), deformities, congenital defects and death...

It is in your hands - and within your power to eliminate vivisection.

With the admiration for the strength, organisation and boundless energy of the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society I gained the courage to face the difficulties along the way to that moment of truth..."

They are to be congratulated

Social Credit is the first New Zealand political party to introduce a sincere and meaningful policy on vivisection.

Until now no Political Party has shown any genuine desire to legislate against animal abuse... As election time approaches NZAVS outlines each party's policy - in the knowledge that for many people this is a critically important voting issue.

The Animals Protection Amendment Bill currently being finalised to protect the vivisector was foreseen, forecast and predicted in Mobilise! 1, August 1982. It is a grave step backwards for the A/V movement in NZ