Simple Life

Animal Experimentation

Annually, millions of animals undergo painful suffering or death as a result of scientific research into the effects of drugs, food additives, cosmetics and other chemical products. Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice have been forced to ingest harmful substances, or have caustic ingredients rubbed on their exposed skin or in their eyes. Then these animals are killed. Meanwhile, every day, thousands of people are saved from painful diseases and death by powerful medical drugs and treatments. This incredible gift of medicine would not be possible without animal testing. So is using animals in experimentation necessary? Some people would say yes, others should say no… But who’s right? No matter what one thinks or believes this question still remains, yet to be debated. Feeling sorry for the animals is definitely where it starts for people who don’t agree with animal experimentation; but that’s not where it ends. I want to say that animal experimentation is important and necessary.

Those against the use of animal testing claim that it is inhumane to use animals in experiments. But it would be much more inhumane to test new drugs on children or adults. Most people cannot accept human testing. Even if it were possible, it would also take much longer to see potential effects, because of the length of time we live compared to laboratory animals such as rats or rabbits. Furthermore, some of the tests certainly seem painful, but the great majorities of people on this planet eat meat or wear leather without any guilt. Where is their sympathy for animals? Animals clearly do not feel the same way as humans, and scientists are careful to minimize stress in the animals, since this would damage their research. Moreover, the truth is the world as a whole has advanced in the past century due to animal experimentation. We are affected every day by at least one thing that has been influenced by animal testing. Many of the things we take for granted would not exist if it were not for experimenting with animals. We should look at animals, not as poor helpless creatures that are subject to cruel experiments, but as heroes that have improved almost every aspect of our life in today’s society.

Opponents of animal testing also claim that the results are not applicable to humans; and the physical side effects can be different because humans and animals are different species. This may be partly true. Some drugs have had to be withdrawn, despite testing. It is also true that humans differ from other animals in outward appearance and intelligence, but from a biological perspective humans are classified as animals. Humans and animals eat many of the same food, communicate with each other, experience emotions, reproduce, sleep, and there are even more similarities. Animals can be the best species to get the accurate results to humans. In addition, we simply do not have alternative methods of testing. Computer models are not advanced enough, and testing on plants is much less applicable to humans than tests on animals such as monkeys. Until we have a better system, we must use animal testing.

A further point often raised against animal testing is that it is not necessary, and there are some other alternatives. There are too many limitations. Some of cosmetics may be able to use other methods to test the safety. However, animal testing remains an accepted practice for many of the largest companies, despite its serious limitations in assuring the health and safety of consumers. Then how about some of the chemical products, the medicines, and the drugs, without animal testing, it will take a long time to do the research and spend a lot of money, it probably can get some results. But there might be lots of people die for the disease without cures during this non-animal testing periods. And animals are kinds of similar species to humans. It is much better than plants to be tested objects. Although they cannot talk the same as humans do, they will react somehow we can know what is going on with the effect of medicines or drugs. It is definitely better than use real human beings to do the testing. A lot of high-risky medicines we get are based on animal experimentation, such as polio vaccine, flu vaccinations, and so on. Another example is about education. In school almost all students are able to participate in what is called a “compulsory dissection,” of a frog usually. Many people often feel uncomfortable and decide not to partake in cutting up the specimen. But the fact of the matter is the dissection of an animal is a great learning tool. Students can learn facts taught to them best through the actual process of dissection. Because it is the real thing, the students learn, learn from the procedure and at test time around, they are able to apply their knowledge and put it on paper. Without the use of compulsory dissections, real medical knowledge or understanding is impossible. It is a definite privilege to work with an animal. Therefore, animal experimentation is a necessity.

I agree that we need to make sure that animals that are used for testing new products have the minimum of suffering. We should care for all animals living on this planet. However, the sacrifice of animals for the benefit of mankind surpasses all doubt whether or not animal experimentation is ethical. They have helped us more than we can ever imagine. The medicine that we need, the education that we receive, and the products that we use are just a few of the benefits that these animals bring to us. Thanks to animals, we have advanced in all areas of living. Our medical standards are higher and our education is better. Animal testing has made available more products and improved technology. Although from the animals’ perspective it might seem harsh and inhumane, from the scientist’s point of view, one can clearly see that these animals are heroes that have helped the human race survive and advance in our world today.