Top 10 Reasons Why Animal Testing is Necessary

Top 10 Reasons Why Animal Testing Is Necessary
Top 10 Reasons Why Animal Testing Is Necessary

We are all used to seeing distressing campaigns for ‘ethical’ cosmetics or to ban animal testing.  Those who are against animal testing will often say that it does not work – citing cases such as the thalidomide babies (thalidomide was shown safe in animal tests).  Opponents often say that we have moved beyond the need to perform in-humane and cruel tests products on animals – test tube tests on cell lines or latter stage human testing should be sufficient to ensure safety.  Is this stance correct or does it put the welfare of animals above a demonstrated human need?

Animal

testing will always be an emotive subject and some people condone it for medical research but not for testing cosmetics or soaps.  At the current time the United States runs tests on approximately 26 million animals each year for both medical and commercial purposes.  This helps to establish whether medicines and other products are safe for humans to use.  Such testing is not new but has taken place since about 500BC.  There is currently no other way of testing how a substance will interact within a complex living body (as opposed to a cell culture).

So who is right?  Here are the top 10 reasons why animal testing is, if not a pleasant thing, both right and necessary.

10The Thalidomide Disaster Shows We Need Animal Testing

Thalomide was not properly tested resulting in disastrous results

9We Eat More Than We Test

We use animals in Various Ways and have an obligation to be humane at all times.

8Animal Testing on Some Cosmetics is Necessary to Ensure Human Safety

Cosmetics must be tested to ensure safety

7Animal Testing has the Overwhelming Support of Professionals

Scientists overwhelmingly approve of testing.

6Laws Are In Place to Ensure That Animals Are Treated Humanely

Inhumane treatment is against the law.

5Well Treated Animals Give Better Test Results

Animals treated well perform better

4Animals Used in Testing Often Have Short Lifespans

Commonly utilized animals have shorter lifespans

3Some Tests Can Not – Ethically – Be Done on Humans

It would be unethical to conduct the testing on humans

2The Human Body Is Complex and Animals Are a Better Substitute than Computer Models

The human body is too complex to replace animal testing with computer modeling at this point in time

1Animal Testing Helps Save Human Lives

The Bottom Line is that Animal Testing Helps Save Human Lives