Leo originally came to the attention of HRA back in August 2010.  A Sydney research facility using cats in a study aimed at improving surgical techniques for vision correction in humans, ran out of funding. Luckily for Leo one of the researchers had a conscience and allowed a rescue group to find a home for him, rather than end his life, or offer him up for further research elsewhere.  By this stage Leo had already endured invasive procedures, including the removal of his nictitating membranes (third eyelids) and surgery (corneal pocket) to his right eye. Prior to this Leo had been used in vaccination studies at a different facility.

In early September 2010, Leo was ‘couriered’ from Sydney and came into HRA’s possession at Melbourne Airport. In the crate handed over to us, peering through the cage wire, was a sweet young cat who immediately stole our hearts. We could only imagine what this little guy had been through, and promised that from this day forward he would be safe, and free from the stress and pain of experimentation.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of animals used for research in Australia are not as lucky as Leo, they remain trapped within the system, moving from one distressing procedure, test or study to the next, or have their life terminated once the researchers have finished with them.  A very disturbing reality given we know that just like Leo, every one of the millions of animals used each year is a sentient individual, who deserves the chance to live their life free from exploitation and suffering.