Animal Testing

For centuries, animals have been used for scientific testing. Like all controversial topics, animal testing has two sides, those that support it and those that are against it. Animal rights activists believe that animal testing is cruel and unethical. While those that support the use of animals in experiments argue that it is necessary for medical advancements.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), is the world's largest animal rights organization. PETA members believe that by educating people on the importance of avoiding alcohol and cholesterol, the dangers of smoking, reducing alcohol and other drug consumption, exercising regularly, and cleaning up the environment, would save more lives and end suffering of the animals. Those that are against animal testing would agree with George Bernard Shaw when he said "You do not settle whether an experiment is justified or not  by merely showing that it is of some use. The distinction is not between useful and useless experiments, but between barbarous and civilized behaviour." They also realize that some medical problems probably can not be cured unless tests are done on unwilling people, but this is wrong and so it is not done, and they mention that this concern should apply to other living, feeling beings, regardless of the species. 

The video "Testing...One, Two, Three" shows visuals of animals suffering while being used for tests. It is mentioned several times that the results from animal testing can not be applied to humans because they do not have the same systems. It is believed by PETA supporters that there is no need to cause animals to suffer when more sophisticated, non-animal methods exist, such as cell-based tissue models. The video also mentions that it was wrong when testing was done on orphans, Blacks, G.I.s and Gypsies, and that it is also wrong when done to animals. Animals hurt, bleed, suffer, feel lonely and sad, and want to live just like humans do. 

On the other hand, there are those that support animal testing. They argue that animal testing is for the greater good of humans and animals, and that animal testing is better than the alternatives such as computer modelling and cell structures. The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) states that the use of animals in research and testing is strictly controlled, especially regarding potential pain. There are laws in place that regulate aspects such as pain, caging, feeding, exercise of dogs and the psychological well-being of primates. In addition to the rules, each institution must establish an animal care and use committee which includes a member of the public. This committee is responsible for approving the proposed use of animals and also for overseeing the care and use of the animals, and raising any concerns there may be.