A New Zealander who invented a toilet that used worms to produce compost had to prove the worms were not traumatized before authorities would approve his product.

An Auckland Regional Council official told Coll Bell to get an expert’s report on the psychological impact on the worms.

“She felt that the worms were being unfairly treated and that it could affect them in a psychological way,” Mr Bell said.

He said his “wormorator” was finally approved after a vermiculture expert reported the worms were in excellent health and breeding happily.