via TheRepublic.com - Every year, tens of millions of animals are used for biomedical research, chemical testing and training.
Federal reports show that nearly one million regulated animals, including dogs, cats, monkeys, apes, hamsters and rabbits were used in experiments in fiscal year ending September 2009. But at least 80 to 100 million unregulated animals - mostly rats and mice - are also used each year.
"I don't think many people have any idea of the vastness of the animal research field in this country," said Sue Leary, president of the American Anti-Vivisection Society.
Most, though not all, animals die during or soon after experiments either because that's the only way scientists can study the disease or injury, or because it's deemed inhumane to keep them alive.
Animal protectionists generally denounce the experiments as cruel and unjustified by the results.
"Acceptance of animal suffering is ingrained in how animals are thought of in the research field," said Kathleen Conlee, director of animal research issues for the Humane Society of the United States.
Proponents counter that animals have aided in almost every major advance in biology and medicine in the past century, and for the forseeable future.
"If you've ever had a vaccine, antibiotics, chemotherapy, joint replacement or bypass surgery, among many other therapies, you've been the beneficiary of animal research, " said Liz Hodge, communications director for the Foundation for Biomedical Research.
The one area of agreement between researchers and animal protectionists is that research and investment into alternatives to animal studies is accelerating. But most scientists insist the need to use some animals in research will remain for many years.
By Lee Bowman, science correspondent for Scripps Howard News Service
Oh, please.
ReplyDeleteWithout biomedical research involving animals, modern medicine would be absolutely no where. If you are on ANY medication, or if you have lived past the age of 45, you can thank the millions of animal test subjects.
If you think that we will be able to move past animal testing anytime soon, you clearly are completely ignorant on the scientific process and how medical advances are made.
-This coming from a vegetarian biologist.
To "This coming from a vegetarian biologist"
ReplyDeleteNot all ppl die from diseases, some actually develope antibodies, but I'm sure you know this as being an biologist.
And what make you think I'm produd over being alive because others have suffered?
Lotta
Perhaps we should use humans who are cruel to animals as the product testers! Hey, check my blog today...got a bunny story.
ReplyDeleteI am currently a biomedical engineering student and I am not a fan of research on animals but the fact is that it is required for modern medicine. The fact that someone can say "Not all people die from diseases, some actually develop antibodies" is ridiculous. Antibodies do not cure everything. Millions of people benefit from animal testing every day and it is done as humanely as possible. To be able to do testing on animals you need to do a ton of paperwork to justify your study and your choice of animal. If the review board thinks that it is not justified you cannot perform the experiment or you would have to use a different animal. Everything is regulated as much as possible for the best outcome for all involved. People benefit from advances in medicine and the number and type of animal used is strictly monitored.
ReplyDelete