Animal testing: the enduring controversy and ethics of it

STAFF WRITER – DANIEL MATHEU

ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON APRIL 6, 2023

Animal experimentation is a contentious practice that generates ethical questions, and many find it to have little practical application in science. Using animals in tests exposes them to toxic substances, invasive surgeries, and forced feeding, resulting in bodily and emotional misery. 

Animal testing presents a severe ethical problem; this is one of the main reasons it’s terrible. Animals in these experiments frequently endure painful and upsetting procedures, which can have immediate and long-term implications on the health of animals. Many individuals view this practice as harsh and barbaric, thinking that using animals in studies should end. 

Using animals for research can result in unreliable and deceptive conclusions. Animals’ biological processes and reactions to medications and chemicals differ from humans; this produces unreliable results. Several studies that have demonstrated that certain medications found success in animal testing turned out to be ineffective or even hazardous in human testing. Compared to other testing methods, stress, diet, and other environmental factors can influence the outcomes of animal experiments. 

Animal testing is unwise for another reason: it can be costly. Resources, including housing, food and medical attention, are needed in substantial amounts when utilizing animals in investigations. It can delay the development and approval of new goods due to how long animal trials can take to yield findings. 

Thankfully, there are substitute testing techniques that can take the place of animals. They consist of in vitro tests, computer modeling, and cultures of human tissue and cells. In vitro testing allows for multiple substances to be tested at once and can produce results in a shorter amount of time. These techniques are more accurate, dependable, economical, and humane. 

Although other testing options exist, many businesses and researchers still use animal experimentation. This is partially because many nations’ regulatory standards frequently call for animal testing for particular items. However, programs and laws are in place to lessen the use of animal testing. The European Union has enacted stringent rules requiring businesses to give preference to the use of alternative methods over animal experimentation. 

Individuals need to raise public awareness of the problem and incite people to speak out against the current system of animal testing if they want to alter it. In addition to instructional initiatives at schools and universities, they can promote awareness through social media campaigns, petitions, and demonstrations. People can choose the goods they buy and the organizations they support more wisely if they are better aware of the ethical issues and restrictions associated with animal testing. 

A number of groups, like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Humane Society International, are campaigning to abolish animal testing. These groups work to push for changes in laws and regulations to prevent animals from being used in testing and promote alternatives to animal testing. 

Using animals in research is a faulty and unethical practice that must end. Not only does it harm animals needlessly, but it also has little scientific value and can be replaced with more accurate and compassionate options. Sophomore business major, Jimena Morillo says: “the practice of animal testing is so cruel and inhumane that I cannot believe anybody would support it.  Personally, it goes against all of my values.”

Still, many fight to create a more compassionate and efficient system of product testing. They advocate development by raising public awareness, promoting alternative testing techniques, and supporting organizations seeking to stop animal testing. It is time to stop using animals for experiments and switch to a more moral and efficient product development method. 

The use of animals in experiments can cause unnecessary harm and suffering, and can produce unreliable or misleading results. However, there are alternative testing methods available that are more accurate, cost-effective, and humane. It is up to individuals and organizations to raise awareness, advocate for change, and support the development and implementation of these alternative methods to ultimately end the use of animal testing in science. We have a moral obligation to treat animals with respect and dignity and to minimize their suffering in any way we can.