Animal Testing and Experimentation - Essay Example

2 July Animal Testing and Experimentation Scientists use animal s to research and develop new methods and procedures for diagnosing and treating human beings. These tests and experiments have discovered a myriad of cures and treatments for diseases that were once considered incurable such as carcinomas, polio, organ transplant, and cardiac by-pass surgery. Along with these experiments, scientists have also developed alternate treatments which have yielded breakthroughs minimizing painful side-effects of human illnesses. While doing so implies that human life is more valuable than animal life, animal experimentation has been the best way to spare people pain and give them hope. Furthermore if it comes to a choice between regulated studies on a few animals and treatment for an incurable disease, most people reluctantly make the same choice (Morelle).On the other hand, and animal rights activists argue that animal testing and experimentation is ethically and morally wrong, because by experimenting carious medicines on animals, we are selfishly causing them pain for our own benefit. While the standpoint of the activists may be sympathetic, ultimately, in Western society as a whole accepts the sacrifice of animals in the name of science. Joan Ryan, an ex-home office minister quoted, “Animal research and testing has played a part in almost every medical breakthrough of the last century. It has saved hundreds of millions of lives worldwide”. (Ryan). In fact, animal testing may not be the only way to discover new methods of treatment and diagnosis. The tests performed provide convenience as most of the test animals resemble the Human biological system and the results observed in these systems are quite similar to the effects expected to be observed in Humans. Since Humans can’t be used for testing and experimental purposes. Moreover, as animals share similar biological features to humans; animal testing has made strides in veterinary medicine as well. On the other hand, there are many people who consider animal testing as cruelty being inflicted upon the animals, the issue of selfishness is also another reason that these experiments are considered wrong because of the fact that we hurt the animals just to gain benefit for our own self. Animal testing and experiments are also considered to violate animal rights; those who support this statement tend to believe that if testing on humans is considered wrong then the same should be considered for the animals (Shukla). All of these procedures and experiments are previously approved by the relevant authorities only if valid proofs are provided that there are no other ways to conduct the experiment. These tests and experiments are also performed under the supervision of various organizations such as veterinarians and animal rights organization (Shukla). At times there exists a misconception in the minds of the general public and for this purpose Lord Robert Winston said that there needs to be clearer communication for the public about how valuable animal testing is (Winston). While animal rights activists advocate for changing scientific practice, Western society, as a whole sees the value of life differently; and the good of the many, ethically, outweighs the good of the few. Additionally, numerous biomedical and health organizations in United States endorse animals tests and experiments. These organizations include American Psychological Society, the National Association for Biomedical Research, the Society of Toxicology to name a few. Based on the results obtained from a poll conducted in the year 2011, it was found that almost 1,000 biomedical scientists were in favor of animals being used for the purpose of research (Cressey., p. 452-453). According to most people, humans are considered more intelligent than the rest of the animal species. Human beings have the ability to think rationally, use complex language, and even provide assistance to animals and ecological systems. This is particularly true in the case of protecting endangered species such as whales, and restoring bee populations, while one might say that it is Human activity that endangered these animals in the first place, people have nevertheless addressed and accounted for their actions and work tirelessly to remedy the harm they have done to various endangered species. They are self-aware of themselves and the surroundings and also act selflessly at times when needed (Wilson, n.p.). Along the lines of the argument that humans are superior to animals, there are four traits delineate this theme; these include generative computation that is the ability to draw and understand various concepts, Humans also have the ability to combine ideas, and hence they can think syncretic ally across fields to problem solve, working simultaneously through different issues such as art, philanthropy, friendship and law. Humans also have the ability to create mental symbols by which we communicate with each other and convert out thoughts into words. Humans also have the capacity for abstract thought, ability to reflect about notions beyond the empirical. Wolchover for example states, that goes beyond our senses (Wolchover). Thus, for those who claim that the drugs and procedures should be tested on humans instead, they should reevaluate their position in light of the fact that millions of people could lose their lives. Animal activists offer and alternative: they claim that human life can be improved through programs to provide testing. While computers are already ubiquitous in science laboratories, animal activists fail to see what would happen if scientists were wholly dependent on technology. Anyone who has ever had a computer crash, an electrical blackout, or been the victim of a computer hack or identity theft would be happy to explain. The most effective articulation of this problem, perhaps, is metaphorically expressed in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In that novel, Dr. Frankenstein relies solely on his technological prowess, playing god with science, and it ends in tragedy and heartbreak for his family and their community. Another reason why sole reliance on technology is counterproductive is because Biologically, we are similar to species such as mice and rats, because we have practically the same set of genes. Their bodies respond to disease and treatments much as ours do. If a genetically modified "purple tomato" can fight cancer in mice, as announced yesterday, it might work for humans, too (Blakemore, n.p.). It is also a well noted fact that Chimpanzees share 99% of Human DNA, and because of this, illness such as cancers, cardiac diseases and pulmonary diseases have been treated. In fact, these illnesses are also common among chimpanzees, and so their population receives benefits as well (California Biomedical Research Association). Based on a a document issued by the British Medical Association in 2012 the research using animals is essential to produce sufficient evidence efficacy and safety before proceeding to trials involving humans (British Medical Association). Animal testing has provided numerous benefits for both the humans and animals alike. It is because of these experiments and tests that scientists are able to discover lifesaving treatments, methods and techniques. According to the California Biomedical Research Association animal testing has led to almost all of the breakthroughs in the medical field (California Biomedical Research Association). Dr David Jack in 2009 said that, “the discovery and development of these and other major anti-asthamtic drugs would not have been possible without animal research” (Animalresearch.info). There have been many experiments which had been conducted in the past have led to the development of drug without which humans may not have been living the quality of life that they are currently living at. Experiments such as those in which pancreas were removed from dogs led to the development of insulin and hence served an important cause for those who suffer from diabetes (Nobelprize.org).The vaccine which was invented for polio; a disease which permanently disables a person was invented due to the experiments performed on animals. This vaccine has helped control the disease on a global scale and the occurrence of this disease has reduced from 350,000 cases in 1988 to 223 cases in 2012 (Who.int). Professor Joseph E. Murray in 2009 stated that, “Animal experimentation has been essential to the development of all cardiac surgery, transplantation surgery, joint replacements and all vaccinations.” (Murray) It is not only the humans that benefit from testing and experiments performed on animals, the lists of beneficiaries also include animals themselves. Vaccines which were previously tested on research animals helped in the control and reduction of various diseases such as rabies, leukemia in feline, hepatitis, tetanus, anthrax and canine Parvo virus. There are also various medical devices which are designed specifically for animals such as pacemakers, hip dysplasia and glaucoma and all of this wouldn’t have been possible without these previously being tested on research animals (Cvma.net). Animal testing has not only been significant in curing diseases in animals rather it has also been important in preservation of species and protecting them from extinction; these species include tamarins, condor and ferrets (Aalas.org). Another reason why drug testing, for instance, should be performed on living systems and not computer simulated models, Hence such an experiment cannot be performed on a virtual system since the results obtained from these experiments will deviate from the actual results (CBRA Fact Sheet: Why Are Animals Necessary In Biomedical Research?). Hence, for those who assume that there are other technological options available for the testing and experiments of drug and new procedures should consider the fact that those other methods do not provide such accurate results as they do with researches performed on animals, and that this prevents advances for both human and animal life. But the bottom line is that animal testing prevents human suffering that might occur due to inadequate testing of drug products. One such drug, thalidomide, was permitted for human use without first being tested on pregnant women, and as a result, this drug caused birth defects in their neonates (Pro-test.org.uk). Perhaps the appeal to pathos is the animal activist’s argument about cruelty to animals. But in reality, most scientific protocols do their best to mitigate animal suffering. For instance, the Federal Animal Welfare protects animals from any sort of mistreatment and requires inspections from veterinarians and other animal health care committee members so as to ensure that no undue harm may be inflicted upon animal subjects (Amprogress.org). Special attention is also given for the health and well-being of the research animals, and the goal to find newer methods and procedures to improve the well-being of the research animals is ongoing. These efforts are not only concerned with the animals’ physical safety, but also their emotional health. Research animals, for example, engaged socially with their researchers; this is particularly given importance for chimpanzees and primates (McMillan, p.281). It was because of a recent article which was published by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA); a renowned organization that works for the welfare of animals that made me question the necessity of performing animal tests. This piece of article talked about the members of PETA speaking up against the use of animals for testing purposes. In the seminar Dr, Baines spoke about animal testing and experimentation (Chasity, N.p.). But after thorough research, I concluded that animal testing is a crucial to medical advancement. It is because of animal testing’s that a critical disease like polio has now almost reduced to being nonexistent, and it is because of experiments on animals that their species populations animals can continue to thrive. This animal research is also essential to tackle major 21st century health problems such as cancer and heart diseases, without the use of animals it would be impossible to develop drugs or any sort of medical treatment (Radda). Considering the position of animal rights activists has opened my eyes, however. I am now convinced it is wrong to use animals for testing for non-essential purposes such as for use in cosmetics and fur coats. That said, I maintain my stance on the value of human life. If it were your family, your mother, your father, your sibling, your friend who was sick, and had a chance for survival, it would be inhuman to sacrifice someone you love for the life of a rat. Works Cited Morelle, Rebecca. UK Experts Back Primate Research. BBC 2006. Web. 15 July 2015. Ryan, Joan. "Animal Research And Testing Has Played A Part In Almost Every Medical Breakthrough Of The Last Century. It Has Saved Hundreds Of Millions Of Lives Worldwide..." | Ari.Info. Animalresearch.info. N.p., 2009. Web. 14 July 2015. Shukla, Ishani. Animal Testing Arguments. Buzzle. N.p., 2011. Web. 26 June 2015. Wilson, Scott D. Animals And Ethics | Internet Encyclopedia Of Philosophy. Iep.utm.edu. Web. 26 June 2015. Wolchover, Natalie. What Distinguishes Humans From Other Animals?. LiveScience.com. Web. 26 June 2015. Blakemore, Colin. Should We Experiment On Animals? Yes. Telegraph.co.uk 2008. Web. 26 June 2015. California Biomedical Research Association,. CBRA Fact Sheet: Why Are Animals Necessary In Biomedical Research?. Web. 26 June 2015. Animalresearch.info,. Dr. David Jack. N.p., 2009. Web. 14 July 2015. Amprogress.org,. Animal Research Faqs | Americans For Medical Progress. N.p., 2015. Web. 26 June 2015. McMillan, Franklin D. Mental Health And Well-Being In Animals. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Pub., 2005. Print. "The Discovery of Insulin". Nobelprize.org. Nobel Media AB 2014. Web. 26 Jun 2015. http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/insulin/discovery-insulin.html Who.int,. WHO | Poliomyelitis (Polio). N.p., 2015. Web. 26 June 2015. Murray, Joseph E. "Animal Experimentation Has Been Essential To The Development Of All Cardiac Surgery, Transplantation Surgery, Joint Replacements And All Vaccinations." | Ari.Info. Animalresearch.info. N.p., 2009. Web. 14 July 2015. Cvma.net,. Animal Research: How It Benefits Both Humans And Animals | CVMA | California Veterinary Medical Association. N.p., 2014. Web. 26 June 2015. Aalas.org,. Animal Research FAQ. N.p., 2014. Web. 26 June 2015. Winston, Robert. "There Needs To Be Clearer Communication For The Public Avout How Valuable It [Animal Testing] Is. | Ari.Info. Animalresearch.info. N.p., 2009. Web. 15 July 2015. British Medical Association,. "Research Using Animals Is Essential To Produce Sufficient Evidence Efficacy And Safety Before Proceeding To Trials Involving Humans" | Ari.Info. Animalresearch.info. N.p., 2009. Web. 15 July 2015. Cressey, Daniel. Animal Research: Battle Scars. Nature 470.7335 (2011): 452-453. Web. 26 June 2015. Pro-test.org.uk,. Pro-Test: Standing Up For Science. N.p., 2006. Web. 26 June 2015. Chasity,. PETA Scientist Speaks Out Against Animal Testing At Imperial College | PETA UK. PETA UK. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 July 2015. Radda, George. "Animal Research Is Essential To Tackling Major." | Ari.Info. Animalresearch.info. N.p., 2009. Web. 15 July 2015. Read More