Zebrafish are a common experimental model, predominantly used during the larval stages of development. Larval fish are currently excluded under the definition of animals in the Act and therefore are not protected under any part of the Act.

Scientific evidence indicates that zebrafish during larval stage commence active behaviours indicative of the onset of sentience meaning there is an obligation to protect them. Declaring fish to be animals during larval stage will allow for ethical oversight of research, testing and teaching carried out on zebrafish in New Zealand and improve transparency and accuracy of the number of animals used in these activities in New Zealand.