Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Animal research is the process of using non-human animals, such as rats, monkeys and even fruit
flies for experimentation. Animal research is defined as a procedure which is likely
to cause pain, suffering and harm to animals, even though they are one of the key components
for advancements in sciences. Most of these animals are purposefully bred for these experiments.
Animal testing dates back to as early as 384-322 BC. Ancient Greek writings shown that Aristotle
and Erasistratus were some of the earliest to perform experiments on animal. Most of
the early animal testing was the process of dissection. Galen, a physician in 2nd-century
Rome, dissected pigs and goats, and is known as the "father of vivisection. An Arabic physician,
Avenzoar, in 12th-century Moorish Spain who also practiced dissection , introduced animal
testing as an experimental method of testing surgical procedures before applying them to
human patients. However, an enormous breakthrough came only in 1922 when animal testing allowed
for insulin to be tested on dogs. In the 1930s, modern anesthetics and antibiotics were developed
from the use of animal testing.
An estimated 100 million of animal are used worldwide for animal testing. Which is about
274,000 animals used per day, or 3 every second. Such animals include- rats, mice, frogs, dogs,
monkeys, fish, birds and any others. Their deaths also include incidental deaths.
It could be due to overcrowding which results in fights for territory among animals. Accidents
could also happen. A typical type of accident is when a member of staff replaces the lid
on a cage of lively mice trying to escape, crushing their heads or necks.
that are compatible with the human anatomy, there is a higher chance of obtaining an advancement in which
would be of a valuable asset to us. Scientists who uses animals as a test subject would also
have to go through a simulation of how the animals should react and collect data for
the experiment to be approved. The simulation is for the RAMs (Risk Assessment and Management)
procedure as well as to increase the percentage for success. The experiment would not be approved
by the SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board) if the simulation and data found were
either unclear or harmful to the animals in anyway.
Animal experimental research has also been necessary for the preservation of many endangered
species. The ability to eliminate parasitism, treat illnesses, use anesthetic devices, and
promote breeding has improved the health and survival of many species. Through techniques
like artificial insemination and embryo transfer, species that are endangered or have disappeared
in the wild can now be managed or maintained. Research on the *** behavior of animals
has made it possible to breed many species in captivity, enabling endangered species
to be reintroduced to the wild.
From contracting these fatal diseases. Treatments for heart worm infestation, a painful and ultimately fatal
affliction in dogs, therapies for cholera in hogs, and diagnostic and preventive techniques
for brucellosis and tuberculosis in cattles are all now available because of animal research.
However, animal research has caused quite a with its multiple ethical issues. This
type of research is frowned on by many members of the ethical communities on the issue of
harming animals of other species, to benefit humankind.
Prove the thesis, the animals would have suffered
for no reason. There is also limited protection available to limit the suffering of these
animals. Statistics show that 95% of animals used in experiments are not protected by the
federal Animal Welfare Act which includes animals such as birds, mice, rats and even
cold blooded animals.
Also, there has been the question of how other species are experimented to gain benefits
for simply mankind alone. Most of the time, the animal itself do not benefit from these
experiments which are causing unnecessary pain or distress. In 1980s, about 19,000 dogs,
rabbits, pigs, ferrets, rats and mice have been killed during the last decade in automobile
safety tests. Also in the mid 1960s, there was a public outcry over animal research.
A Dalmatian died after researchers attempted to implant an experimental cardiac pacemaker
in her body. This story was eventually published into a news article, which served as a catalyst
for the early rise in anti-animal research sentiment. The experimental cardiac pacemaker
would have served no purpose in helping the Dalmatian, or even enriching its quality of
life. If this experiment would be a success, only mankind would benefit from this pacemaker.
By simply being animals for experimentation, they have died way early before their natural
death.
In the U.S., the numbers of rats and mice used is estimated at 20 million a year. Before
their deaths, some are forced to inhale toxic fumes, others are immobilized in restraint
devices for hours, some have holes drilled into their skulls, and others have their skin
burned off or their spinal cords crushed. In addition to the torment of the actual experiments,
animals in laboratories are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them—they
are confined to barren cages, socially isolated, and psychology traumatized.
Researchers worldwide take into consideration of these ethical issues. Over the years, Laws
are slowly erected to protect these animals to ensure safety as well as a suitable environment
to live in for them. Scientists are governed by many regulations put into place by different
countries all over the world.
To prevent further suffering to these experimental animals, different research organisations
have created a set of guidelines that scientists are strongly encouraged to follow in order to reduce
the impact of research on animals.
This set of principles are known as the 3 "R"s. Reduction, Refinement, Replacement.
Reduction is the method of reducing the number of animals used in experiments. This can be
achieved by improving experimental techniques, improving techniques of data analysis, and
even sharing information with other researchers.
Using techniques which are less evasive and along with better medical care and living conditions
will help refine the experiment so as to reduce the animal suffering.
Instead of researching on animals, maybe you could go for other alternatives such as experimenting on cell cultures
instead of whole animals or even using computer models or studying human volunteers or using
epidemiological studies as it would definitely benefit everybody in the long run.
In conclusion, animal research can be a good way to carry out high-risk experiments. Animals
can be further understood, and humankind would benefit. However, the side-effects that are
caused by these experiments should be taken in great consideration. Animal research should
be treated as the last resort. Other alternatives should be considered first. When animal research
is really required, scientist have to follow the procedures placed so as to ensure maximum
safety and well-being of the animals. All side-effects caused to animals should be minimized as much as possible, to
prevent the prolonged suffering of the animal.