Animals around the world are the victims of scientific testing used for research on diseases, effectiveness of new medical products, and the human health and/or environmental safety of consumer and industry products. All methods of testing have the ability to cause physical and physiological distress and suffering upon the animals included in these procedures. Sadly, many animals are killed at the end of these experiments; if not, they are re-used for far more testing. Procedures include forced chemical exposure in toxicity testing, exposure to drugs, chemicals, or infectious disease, genetic manipulation, and many others. More than one hundred and fifteen million animals, that we know of, are used in laboratory experiments every year from around the world; most common include mice, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, farm animals, birds, cats, dogs, mini-pigs, and non-human primates. Other than the impacts animal testing has on the animals being tested on, it also does not correctly predict human reactions. There are many limitations that can not be overcome with trying to mirror human diseases and toxicity by artificially creating symptoms in animal species. Usually, the symptoms to potential treatments seen in animals are different from those of human patients.
Animals testing only continues because of a couple reasons: for decades, the scientific community has relied on animal models as the “default method” for testing and globally there is still a lack of knowledge of and expertise in non-animal techniques. To resolve this issue scientists, companies, and policy makers should be encouraged to transition away from animal use to center more around 21st century methods of testing. If you want to fight for this cause, please go and donate to any of the organizations linked below. Each organization explains the impacts towards animal testing that donations can do. Small or large, any amount of donation is beneficial. Now these organizations are not the only ones available, as you can do your own research to find one that suits you and your beliefs the best. On top of donations, make sure to spread awareness. These animals are not able to get themselves out of the situation they are in, so lets do it for them!
Animals testing only continues because of a couple reasons: for decades, the scientific community has relied on animal models as the “default method” for testing and globally there is still a lack of knowledge of and expertise in non-animal techniques. To resolve this issue scientists, companies, and policy makers should be encouraged to transition away from animal use to center more around 21st century methods of testing. If you want to fight for this cause, please go and donate to any of the organizations linked below. Each organization explains the impacts towards animal testing that donations can do. Small or large, any amount of donation is beneficial. Now these organizations are not the only ones available, as you can do your own research to find one that suits you and your beliefs the best. On top of donations, make sure to spread awareness. These animals are not able to get themselves out of the situation they are in, so lets do it for them!
How can you help? Donate today!
Sources
- “About Animal Testing.” Humane Society International, 6 May 2019, www.hsi.org/news-media/about/.“About Animal Testing.” Humane Society International, 6 May 2019, https://www.hsi.org/news-media/about/