Using Animals for Research

Back in the 4th century BC, it was Aristotle who put forth the idea of using animals for the purpose of scientific research. In fact, the results of all the experiments that Aristotle performed on live animals were documented by him in form literary works titled 'Generation of Animals' and 'Parts of Animals'. Other noted researchers who resorted to animal testing in course of time included Erasistratus, Galen, Ibn Zuhr, etc. The debate on animal testing was triggered when the practice met with stiff opposition from animals rights groups.

The Practice of Using Animals for Scientific Research

Animal testing debate had two groups at loggerheads - one of which was in favor of this practice and other against it. While the debate surrounding this issue continues, the arguments that each of these two groups resort to have changed considerably. Given below are some pros and cons put forth by each of the two groups involved, which have to be taken into consideration if you intend to take a stand on this issue.

Against this Practice
Those against the practice of using animals for the purpose of scientific research argue that it is inhumane to use animals for our selfish interests. According to them, if human rights are given so much of importance in the society even animal rights deserve the same. Millions of animals - right from small species like rats and mice to large species like dogs and non-human primates, are sacrificed in the name of research all over the world every single year. While a significant number of animals die in course of research itself, others are left partially or seriously injured. A study by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed that thousands of animals used in research laboratories are not even administered anesthesia when experiments are performed on them.

Those against the use of animals in research also question the credibility of these studies. They argue that millions of animals are killed unnecessarily when more than 90 per cent of these experiments yield no results. More importantly, there is no guarantee that those few drugs which are tested successfully on animals will yield positive results when used on humans. On the contrary, there have been instances wherein drugs that were successfully tested on animals resulted in adverse effects on humans. Those who oppose animal testing also argue that this practice was justified in the past when alternatives to animal research did not exist. But today, alternatives exist in plenty, and hence it's high time we move on from this cruel practice, and start giving animals the respect that they deserve.

There also exist some people who oppose animal testing - not because they have any sympathy for animals, but because they feel that millions of dollars are unnecessarily spent on such research when the chances of positive results are quite dull. A harsh argument for sure, but there's no harm in accepting it if it does save some animals. Yet another group of people which opposes animal experimentation on moral ground includes those individuals who argue that destroying the creation of almighty for our selfish interest is a sin which cannot be forgiven.

In Support of this Practice
In stark contrast to arguments against this practice are the arguments in its favor - all of which hint at the fact that we can't afford to do without the same. The proponents of animal research argue that the practice has formed the basis for the treatment of numerous diseases which were initially considered life-threatening. If we have a cure for ailments like malaria and measles today, we owe it to this very practice. In short, it was animal testing which helped us develop a range of life-saving drugs and surgical procedures. The proponents also argue that it's not just humans who benefited from such research - the range of vaccines and drugs used on pet animals today are also the products of similar research.

The supporters of animal research also state that people oppose this practice only because they are unaware about some basic facts about it. For instance, not many people are aware of the fact that the drugs which are tested on animals are first tested on cells, and only when they pass the cell test are they used on animals. They also argue that the research is carried out by experts of the field, who make sure that the chances of causing harm to animals are minimized by a great extent. Scientists in favor of animal research are of the opinion that the use of animals in testing is an utmost necessity as using these products directly on humans can have some serious implications on human health. The use of animals for research is also justified because no human being would volunteer for such cause and we'd have to test these drugs on patients which may cause their health to deteriorate even further.

Amidst all this chaos, a third group has raised its head - it comprises those individuals who are of the opinion that the use of animals for medical research is justified, but the same for testing cosmetics and other such products is not. Now that's one argument which takes into consideration the concerns of either of the two groups which are at the loggerheads in this raging debate.