Animal experimentation essay PDF

Preview

Summary

"animal experimentation" was the final project for that class....

Description

END TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

Animal Testing: End to Animal Experimentation Shanaia P. Jesus

ENG 1099-002 Douglas College

END TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

2

Animal experimentation for scientific purposes has been around for centuries. Animals throughout history have been used for biomedical research since early Greek, around 300 BC. Globally, this form of experimentation has been converted to other alternatives. Canada itself is still using a significant number of animals for experimentation, although this method of testing is unethical and inhumane. Therefore, is this scientific method, questionably the best method? Considering this information and several research papers and articles on animal experimentation, on the side of discontinuing this form of experimenting, this argument essay will state how animal testing is unethical, how there are other alternatives to animal testing, and how unreliable using an animal body is when testing products for humans.

Some Scientists feel as if there are no alternatives that can substitute the advantages of animal testing in Canada. For example, (Canadian council on Animal Care) CCAC (2017) states that “Procurers subjecting animals to pain, stress, privation, or death should be used only when an acceptable alternative producer is unavailable” (p.154). The CCAC supposedly stating that they encourage the use of alternatives however, the CCAC does not mention the continuation of cosmetic testing on animals in Canada even though the European Union has banned for 15 years this form of animal testing with the consideration that is unnecessary. Considering this information, Natacha Cole (2015) argues that “animal testing for cosmetics is an outdated practice and does not give the most reliable results on the safety, performance, or possible reactions that cosmetic products or ingredients could have in a person” (Para.7). Cleary this form of testing is unnecessary and an outdated practice; so, why does Canada follow this testing

END TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

3

producer considering the many alternatives that could be used for cosmetic science? The Cost of alternatives should not stop the use of alternatives, considering how humane and ethical they are it should encourage a more humane and cruelty option for testing and experimentation regarding living organisms such as animals. Not only will it benefit the animals, but the employees will not be affected by the sight and duty of putting these animal models in horrendous experiments which will (in long term) affect the mental state of any human.

Animal experimentation demonstrates cruelty and irrational behavior towards animals for scientific purposes. This form of testing is unethical and represent the selfishness the government displays. Animals being living organisms, experience forms of anxiety and agony and the use of this form of experimentation should be discontinued because of home unethical it is (Rollin, 2003). Scientists feel or deny that these organisms, not being able to physically cry nor show similar human characteristics of emotions do not experience distress or pain but, they are mistaken. Canada has laws that do not allow people to mistreat animals but, why is it allowed for scientific purposes? As a matter of fact, the suffering and agony executed on these animals in experimentations for scientific advantages is legal but, in other areas it is stated as illegal mistreatment towards animals (Kolar, 2006). As a result, the government has found a loop hole in their own laws. This allows for a cheaper alternative to continue even if it is unethical and inhumane but, continue to hypocritically scold others who are doing just as these scientists are doing for “scientific purposes”.

END TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

4

Numerous amounts of evidence have surfaced over the years that argue that animal experimentation should be discontinued, one that is significant is how unreliable using another organisms body (animal) for human products and other forms of medication for human consumption really is. Several articles state the differences in human to animal autonomy. Humans and animals differ in the sense of autonomy and other aspects of their genetic data, this can be insufficient when it comes to accuracy on how the human body will react to what has been tested on animal models, due to the lack of same genetics etc. (Marston, 2011). Over the years Canada still has not made progress on this matter but continues to reassure that the proper precautions are being taken. Considering the differences in both the human and animal body, these tests and experiments continue to be in use, even if it has been proven unreliable. One article states, a good example of how unreliable this form of experimentation is can be mice, their genetic makeup is around 4 percent incompatible with a human’s, however this still does not make mice a reliable source for experimentation (Delzer, 2015). Not only are mice not 100 percent compatible but, this 4 percent that is not can affect a human in a negative way causing pain or in some cases death. Medication and other products for human consumption, especially if it is for internal use should have a test done that is 100 percent accurate. Therefore, scientists should use alternatives that are compatible to a human’s genetics. Alternatives may be costly but, a reliable source is one that must be chosen, especially if both humans and animals will have to suffer from the consciences.

END TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

5

Animal testing is an issue that many Canadians do not discuss or are aware of. On a yearly basis, millions of animals suffer from animal experimentation for no reason considering alternatives have already been discovered. It is time for Canada to leave this form of testing the past, no animal deserves to live a life of suffering and pain nor do we as Canadians have to ignore the fact that this method is being used for products we use on a daily. Animals have the right to live a life of freedom and no be models of experimentations, instead the government should follow laws that have been placed, to show that Canada is a great place that not only cares for its citizens, but for all animals as well.

END TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

6

Reference

Doke, S.K., & Dhawale, S.C. (2015, July). Alternatives to animal testing: A review. Journal Of The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, 23 (3) p.223. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2013.11.002

Pycroft, L., & Marston, H. (2011). Is animal testing necessary to advance medical research?. New Internationalist, (444), 34.

Dezler, B. (2015). Animal testing is unnecessary. Teen Ink, 27(4), 29.

Cole, N. (2015). Cruelty-free cosmetics 101. Natural Life, 1.

Kolar, R. (2006). Animal experimentation. Science & Engineering Ethics, 12(1), 111-122.

Canadian Council on Animal Care. (2017, March) Guide to the care and use of experimental animals. Retrieved from https://www.ccac.ca/Documents/Standards/Guidelines/ Experimental_Animals_Vol1.pdf...