Animal Experimentation

1. Introduction

Experimentation on animals for scientific purposes has been a common practice that can be traced back to ancient Greeks, such as Aristotle and Erasistatus, who used animals to further scientific knowledge around 300 BC. Since then, all forms of life from the bacteria to primates have been used for scientific research, testing and progress (Hajar 42). An estimated 13 million vertebrate animals are used each year for scientific research and testing, roughly 90% of animal models being mice or rats. Animal testing on products prior to their marketing became a safety regulation in 1938 after several untested drugs led to human deaths. Since then, animal experimentation has been common practice. However, the use of animal models in science has been criticized by scientists, animal rights activists and concerned citizens alike. Despite the numerous scientific advances that have stemmed from animal experimentation, many still object both ethically and scientifically to this practice. This paper examines both the detriments and benefits of animal experimentation in modern science specifically in the fields of medicine, health and drug research. To begin, I shall present the perspective of supporters of animal experimentation and follow with the perspective of those opposed. Next, I shall produce my own stance on this controversial issue and establish a conclusion.

2. The Advantages of Animal Experimentation

It is the general consensus of the populous that it would be unethical to experiment on humans first, and that some other method of safety testing is required prior to human experimentation. Animal testing was found to be this step. In fact, animal models provide a means for scientists to discover new treatments and drug...

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...imal experimentation did.

Furthermore, I agree that the use of animals models is unreliable because of the stress lab animals are under, the fact that they are poor predictors of human results and that the test populations are not representative of the populations that will be receiving the products.

I am also in agreement that animal experimentation is immoral. It is against almost all cultures to inflict pain upon other beings. One cannot ignore morals and ethics in the world of science. Unjust means to not justify the ends.

Overall, I am opposed to animal experimentation but recognize the need for it in scientific research. I strongly suggest the continuation of the application of the 3R’s concept with an emphasis on the replace aspect of it. We should be focusing our efforts on finding viable, cost-effective, functional, humane alternatives to animal testing.