The use of animals in education and in medical science has led to incredible advances in medicine. Scientists have been able to develop treatments against diseases such as tuberculosis and develop vaccines against hepatitis and tetanus. But is the way we go about it actually ethical?
Certain types of animal research any involve inhumane treatment of animals. The Humane Society International have claimed that animals are regularly force-fed, forced to inhale noxious compounds, deprived of food and water, physically restrained for prolonged periods, and burned. The US Department of Agriculture reported in 2010 that more than 100,000 animals suffered pain without the administration of anaesthetic. To combat this, there are many computer models and sophisticated simulations that can be used to understand anatomy and physiology and can easily be used instead of animals in education and medical sciences. Many cosmetic companies are increasingly carrying out commercial safety testing without the use of animals. Reducing suffering of animals in animal testing such as providing ‘enriched environments’ for caged animals can improve the well-being of lab animals. (Crystal, 2018)
On the other hand, it could be argues that animals themselves have benefited from the results of animal testing. Vaccines tested on animals have prevented millions of animals dying from diseases such as ‘rabies, distemper, leukaemia, hepatitis and tetanus’. Due to animal testing, there has also been the development of pacemakers for heart disease and has been successful in saving endangered species such as tamarins according to the AVMA. In addition, animal research is highly regulated with regular inspections by veterinarians and minimum standards put in place for access to clean food and enclosure size. (Procon.org, 2020)
Studies have shown that the dissection of animals in education can encourage apathy towards animals and nature in some children. Children are more likely to act callously and present insensitive behaviour towards animals as dissections show animals to be disposable and devalues life. Other students have shown to prefer interactive methods such as anatomical simulation and find the process of dissection a deeply traumatising experience, which might discourage students from pursuing science related careers. (PETA, n.d.)
The use of animals in education and for medical sciences has led to several huge advancements in medicine for humans. The use of computer simulations and models cannot fully replace live testing and almost every medical advancement in the 20th century has relied on animal testing, according to the British Royal Society. This is because animals are close to humans in terms of living systems and some have shorter life spans, and this gives us the opportunity to test a drugs effect on an entire organism and an entire life cycle. Mice are frequently used in animal testing because their genetic profile is 98% similar to humans which means that their circulatory systems and reactions to diseases are similar to humans, allowing researchers to predict the effect of illnesses and drugs on humans. Furthermore, the use of animal testing reduces the risk of negative reactions during human drug use. Animal testing allows researchers to determine and ensure the quality and safety of a drug before it is made available to the public. (Gaille, 2017)
In conclusion, animal testing allows for development of safe vaccines and drugs and can even benefit animals themselves. Computer modelling and simulation does not yet provide a full profile of the effect of a drug on an entire organism. Although animal testing may be necessary now as technology continues to improve, there needs to be reduced suffering of animals in animal testing.
Bibliography
Crystal, 2018. Sciencing. [Online]
Available at: https://sciencing.com/animal-testing-pros-cons-8012597.html
[Accessed 17 03 2022].
Gaille, 2017. Vitanna. [Online]
Available at: https://vittana.org/14-pros-and-cons-of-animal-research
[Accessed 17 03 2022].
PETA, n.d. PETA. [Online]
Available at: https://www.peta.org.uk/issues/animals-not-experiment-on/education-training/
[Accessed 17 03 2022].
Procon.org, 2020. Procon. [Online]
Available at: https://www.procon.org/headlines/top-3-pros-and-cons-of-animal-dissection/
[Accessed 17 03 2022].
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