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Most people would prefer to never be locked up in a cage for scientific experiments. It seems inhumane and horrific. So why is it that people do so to animals without any remorse?
Animal experimentation is when non-human animals are used as specimens for scientific studies. Many animals such as rats and mice share a similar genetic and physiological makeup with humans, they are used to gain information on human diseases, and how they can be contained or cured. These experiments are essential for science.
A large number of people are against experimentation on animals because they feel that the process demeans the dignity of an animal. They feel that the animal is subject to cruelty and inhumanity and that there are better alternatives present. However, many people support experimentation because they feel that the pros outweigh the cons. They are also of the opinion that without experimentation, many groundbreaking discoveries in today’s world would not be present.
An important part of this debate centers on whether or not animals (excluding humans) are able to feel and what an animal’s moral status is. Moral status is defined as the ability to suffer or enjoy life. Almost everyone has seen animals or interacted with them. The telltale sign of a dog’s tail being upright when they’re happy is ingrained in most people’s minds. So, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that scientists agree that animals are capable of feeling.
People who are against animal experimentation feel that animals should be treated with the same respect and dignity that we treat other humans with. They insist that animals should be thought of as equals and that people shouldn’t be able to force animals into service.
Others feel uneasy with the idea of animal experimentation but agree that the research is crucial and irreplaceable. They feel that animal experimentation can be performed in a safe manner which ensures that the animal is treated well, and kept in humane conditions.
People who argue for animal experimentation, say that the potential harm being caused to animals is less important than the human gain. Views like this are known as speciesism. Speciesism is defined as “a prejudice or bias in favor of the interests of members of one’s own species and against those of members of other species.”
Some interesting views are brought forth by sophomore Lillian L. She says, “Animals should not be tortured and experimented upon. It is mean and unacceptable. They should be treated as equals to [humans].” When asked why she thought that it was unacceptable, she replied with, “Everything is created by God, and all of His creations are equal and perfect, His creations should be treated with respect.”
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) states on its website that, “The complete lack of environmental enrichment and the stress of living situation cause [animals] to develop neurotic types of behavior such as incessantly spinning in circles, rocking back and forth, pulling out fur, and even biting themselves. After enduring a life of pain, loneliness, and terror, almost all of [the animals] will be killed.” According to PETA, more than a hundred million animals die at the hands of scientists. PETA also says that animals such as mice, rats, birds, and cold-blooded animals are not covered by the protections of the Animal Welfare Act in the U.S. The Animal Welfare Act was enacted by American President Lyndon B. Johnson and regulates the treatment of animals in research and experimentation.
Many countries such as India, New Zealand, and Norway have put a ban on the experimentation of certain types of products on animals and are taking strides to limit experimentation on animals. Unfortunately, China still requires all imported cosmetics to be tested upon animals. Because of this, cruelty-free companies such as The Body Shop, Brandy Melville, and Urban Decay have chosen not to open stores in China.
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