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
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