Scientific Research and Animals Ethic

Introduction

“Should animals be used for research?” – perhaps this is one of the most controversial issues of modern science. Proponents of trials point to huge progress in medicine due to such research. Consequently, opponents suggest that these experiments are cruel and meaningless. However, this statement appeals more to my views and judgments on this problem. Animals are living beings, many of which, as well as humans, can see, hear, understand, and, most importantly, feel pain. Using animals as live samples should not be allowed in any testing and experiments.

Justification

In my opinion, using animals in many areas of biological research should be eradicated. Whether it is a rat, a rabbit, a cat, a boy, or a girl, they value their lives and are ready to fight for them. All these are living beings, which should not be treated as “biological raw materials.” Indeed, animal experiments give humanity answers to many questions concerning prevention and treatment. For example, mice and rats can provide more reliable results concerning the human body in studying hereditary diseases since 99% of their genes are similar to human ones. Dogs are widely involved in learning conditions in cardiology, endocrinology, bones, and joints (Helke et al., 2021). Great apes are often used in toxicological tests and the study of AIDS, hepatitis, xenotransplantation, and many other studies (Mendez et al., 2022). It is known that the experiment on these animals allowed the development of polio vaccines and methods of deep brain stimulation.

Nevertheless, there is still a tendency to use animals to test shampoos, balms, lotions, hair dyes, and other cosmetics. It is quite obvious that such studies will not help save people’s lives. Medicines tested on animals sometimes manifest themselves in a completely different way in the human body, causing irreparable harm to it. Not only does the human body differ from animal organisms, but people themselves differ from each other genetically. Therefore, it is unwise to transfer information about the subject’s reactions from one species to another.

Conclusion

Therefore, I should state that scientists should stop experiments on animals immediately since they certainly affect ethical and humane principles. An animal is a living being with intelligence and feelings, unlike a human, albeit to a pronounced degree. The suffering of animals for the benefit of man is an insufficient justification for committing such “atrocities.” In general, experimentation on any subject is unacceptable if this individual cannot consent to it or benefit themselves.

References

Helke, K. L., Meyerholz, D. K., Beck, A. P., Burrough, E. R., Derscheid, R. J., Löhr, C.,… & Brayton, C. F. (2021). Research relevant background lesions and conditions: Ferrets, dogs, swine, sheep, and goats. ILAR Journal, pp. 1-36.

Mendez, J. C., Perry, B. A., Heppenstall, R. J., Mason, S., & Mitchell, A. S. (2022). Openness about animal research increases public support. Nature Neuroscience, pp. 1-3.