The Use of Animals in Research

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In March 1980, there emerged a group called PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. This group, founded by Alex Pacheco and Ingrid Newkirk, fights against the use of animals for research. PETA became a well known name between 1981 and 1990 when they went up against IBR, Institute for Behavioral Research. In the book Monkey Business, the story is told of the ten year battle between PETA and IBR. “Through it all, the Silver Spring Monkeys would remain the most important symbol for the growing animal rights movement” (Guillermo 12). Biomedical research was the primary use of these monkeys. The book tells of the unsanitary conditions that the monkeys lived in, of the animal cruelty they endured, and the group that fought for their freedom. Through many court battles and several of the monkeys dying, PETA finally saved the remaining monkeys. This was just the start of PETA’s battles for the ethical treatment of animals. PETA believes that they are the voice that the animals do not have and stand up for animals used in research. The opponents believe that the use of animals in research is critical to human and animal health as stated by Joy Mench, “According to the National Association for Biomedical Research, ‘virtually every major medical advance of the last century has depended upon research with animals’” (41).The use of animals in research continues to be a controversial issue in society. Many people joined the cause to make PETA the largest organization for animal rights in the world with over two million members and supporters some of which are celebrities (About PETA). PETA believes that there are other more effective ways, such as clinical research, to finding cures for diseases without animal testing. They belie... ... middle of paper ... ...53). These distortions may not be widely known by the public, who could be swayed by false information. There is also the AWA, the Federal Animal Welfare Act, which is a law that is in place to protect animals used in research. Individuals in society have different views and beliefs that they will take a position on whether it be pro, anti, or neutral, they will have an opinion. Many people the all over the world believe in the fair treatment of animals, and many believe that animals are here to serve humans greater needs. These issues are sure to continue far into the future with both sides battling for what they believe is the right thing. Battles such as these over beliefs and ethics are and will surely always be a part of humanity with both sides believing that animals are a crucial part of man’s existence, with different views on how to protect and use them.

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