The Pros and Cons of Animal Testing

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The argument as to whether or not animal testing should be done has been going on for decades. Medical laboratories and shelters are common places where most animals are tested. Animals are typically used because they are cheap and easily obtainable. Some believe that the usage of animals is morally and ethically wrong because animals are still considered thinking and breathing living things. Others believe that because they are not human, that they can do whatever they want with them. The implementation of laws has also been in discussion to avoid inhumane treatment of animals. Animal testing as well as the argument as to if it should be done for the purpose of medical research has been around for centuries. The first recorded account dates back to Aristotle who was the first to notice internal differences of animals. During his work, Aristotle believed that humans were typically the superior race (Blazina, Boyra & Shen-Miller, 2007). This is a belief known as anthropocentrism. This belief is still around today and is the main cause of the debate as to whether animal ethics are important when it comes to animal research. Animals are used mainly for the testing of drugs, vaccines, and other medical reasons to determine the safety of the product (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2010). Scientists who use animals want to see the effect it has on the animal, such as the time it takes for a drug to be absorbed in the body, how it’s broken down chemically, to the damage it can cause to the body. Because of the controversies surrounding animal research, there are many organizations who are in works to develop ways to reduce but not necessarily eliminate the need for animal testing. Animal research has always been controversial regard... ... middle of paper ... ...al Treatment of Animals. (2014). More than $16 billion in taxpayer money wasted annually on animal testing read more: http://www.peta.org/features/16-billion-taxpayer-money-wasted-annually-animal-testing/ Pro-Tests. (2006). Pro-test: Standing up for science. Retrieved from http://www.pro-test.org.uk/facts.php?lt=c Understanding Animal Research. (April, 2013 08). Animal welfare and the three rs: replacement, refinement and reduction. Retrieved from http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/how/the-three-Rs U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2010, August 19).Why are animals used for testing medical products? Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194932.htm Vivisection Information Network. (2010). Updated: How many animals are used?. Retrieved from http://www.vivisectioninformation.com/index.php?p=1_76_updated-how-many-animals-are-used

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