There is a huge controversial issue on whether or not animals should be used for scientific research. Many people would agree that animal research would be considered okay if it were to be for the greater good of the human society as a whole.
At first, I would agree with that statement, but after watching youtube videos on what really goes on behind the scenes during animal research it kind of made me alter my opinion a bit. It is a known fact that laboratory animals do go through painful procedures that do not benefit them in any way. Reasons why humans conduct research on animals are because we are interested in animal behavior itself, evolution of behavior and because the experiments that are conducted on animals cannot be done on humans. I would say logically speaking if we did not have animal research we would not be as advanced in findings that help understand certain diseases.
In some cases, animal subjects are treated horribly, but a new legal standard has developed to help protect the rights of animals. I will include a video that briefly describes the "The three R's".
Although, this standard cannot stop all researchers from treating their subjects badly, but it is a closer step to ensuring that animal subjects are treated better.
Another issue that does not settle well with people is the fact that if it is observed an animal is undergoing too much pain throughout an experiment they are put to sleep to end the pain. I believe that is a better alternative, rather than allowing the animal to suffer. A person might argue who is the researcher to take another animals life, but I believe it is an ethical decision. I would rather the animal be put out of its misery than to continue suffering.
I have to agree with you on this controversial issue that is animal research. It is sad to see what really goes on in laboratories and how the animals suffer; but researchers have accomplished so much in the medical field that has helped all of us. Also the fact that researchers are putting animals to sleep if the pain is too much is much better than letting them suffer. The video you included of the three R's does ensure that animals are treated better.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the video you found on the three R's. It's true what you say that "if we did not have animal research we would not be as advanced in findings that help understand certain diseases," but do you really think an animal's life is worth our own benefit? I don't mean to be unreasonable, but what I am trying to say is who are we to use animals at our whim, who says our good overrides the good of the animal? I'm just curious as to your opinion. Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very interesting. I agree that animal research has been necessary for us to be where we are at. We have a longer life expectancy than we did 100 years ago. We do have to be responsible for treating this animals in the proper way because they have given their lives for our advancements.
ReplyDelete