HKTV's "Body Separation" experiment criticized by animal organizations as cruel, "regressing to barbaric times." The company responds: seeking feasible alternative solutions

Wang Weiji's Hong Kong Technology Exploration (HKTV, 1137) recently announced its performance and disclosed for the first time that it has invested in a life sciences research project since 2021, with a cumulative investment of over HKD 44.5 million. The research team has conducted 38 experiments, separating the limbs or heads of animals from their bodies, with the separated limbs and heads able to maintain life activities for approximately 46 hours and 7 hours, respectively. However, this has sparked controversy, with media quoting PETA Asia, an animal welfare organization, stating that the "head and limb separation" animal experiments conducted by HKTVmall's parent company are appallingly cruel, seemingly regressing science to barbaric times and completely disregarding life. However, Hong Kong Technology Exploration's stock price has risen recently, even surging over 6% to HKD 1.38 this morning, before narrowing its gains to close at HKD 1.35, up 3.85%. Urging Adoption of Non-Animal Research Methods PETA strongly urges the company to immediately cease such barbaric practices and adopt internationally advanced non-animal research methods, ensuring that animals do not endure extreme pain and fear. Additionally, NPV Executive Chairman Mai Zhihao criticized that although the company has not broken the law, the experiments are "only for its own interests, whether commercial or so-called health, which is utterly selfish! Shameful! Ugly!" The report mentions that according to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Ordinance (Cap. 340), anyone conducting experiments on live vertebrates that are expected to cause pain must apply for a license for the relevant experiments. Related article: Hong Kong Technology Exploration Attacks Life Sciences, Aiming to Extend Human Lifespan, Dissecting Animals for Experiments, Separating Heads Surviving for 7 Hours May Be a Global First HKTV: No Unnecessary Harm to Animals, Understanding PETA's Concerns HKTV responded that it fully understands the concerns of animal organizations, including PETA, regarding its life sciences project and has always been committed to maintaining the highest animal welfare standards. The project is not intended to cause unnecessary harm to animals but aims to enhance the quality of life for the elderly, assist in organ preservation and limb transplantation, and promote blood regeneration. Alternative Experimental Methods Have Not Yet Succeeded The group further stated that it will promote related research projects with a prudent and responsible attitude, and all necessary experiments will be conducted in full compliance with the standards and regulations of European and American countries. HKTV also pointed out that the research team has actively explored other alternative experimental methods but has not yet succeeded, and with the development of science, it will continue to actively seek feasible alternatives. Experiments Comply with Regulations and Supervision HKTV indicated that the project is conducted by a research team of over 20 professionals, including brain doctors, neurologists, veterinarians, university professors, anesthesiologists, and research professionals. The relevant experiments are conducted in compliance with local government regulations and under supervision. The group also stated that the animals involved are pigs and sheep, which are common experimental animals in organ transplantation research, and the team appropriately administers anesthetics and monitors the entire process