Discussion: Should Animals Be Used for Scientific Research

Since long time ago animals starting from mice to cows have been used for research. There are lots of examples of testing these or that phenomena on animals. But is it correct? Is it what a human should do? And what well-known animal defence communities say? Well, there are many points of views concerning the topic. Some may say that animal testing has its advantages, as it helps society. But what are the benefits from using animals for scientific research?

Firstly, different research institutions in the world say that with the help of such experiments, there is still live on Earth. Just recall the testing with dogs which led to the discovery of insulin. Today the medical drug is used in order to save the lives of diabetics. And now imagine how many ill people were recovered and how many use insulin right now. Irrespective of it, the contribution of animals is huge, as today the scientists have already found treatment methods for such illnesses as brain injury, malaria, childhood leukemia, breast cancer, tuberculosis and many more. Nowadays people have hope for surviving. Is it a great step forward? Yes, it is. But how about the animals? Biologists decide to conduct an experiment on an animal without asking; supposing, no human would like to be experimented on, would he? So, why animals should be used for it? They are endangered. The testing of cosmetics is also held upon animals; the components of cosmetic tools can cause irritation, burn, inflammation and other complications. We live in a modern world, where the computers and other techniques are the main part of our daily life. So, the cosmetics can be easily tested on the computer. It is possible now to see all the effects of a product on the monitor. On the other hand, after animal testing, a woman can be sure that the cosmetic is worth buying, as it safe for her skin and health.

Some of you would ask: why animals are chosen for realizing scientific research? The reaction of animals on different phenomenon can differ from that of a human one. Actually, it is not always true. The DNA of chimpanzees is 99% similar to ours. Can you believe that mice are similar to humans for 98%? It is amazing, isn’t it? Mammals have the same organs that each of you has: lungs, heart, kidneys etc. Thanks this similarity, the scientists can explore and learn the set of organs, test different remedies and find out the one which can be used for curing people. For this reason all of us should be thankful for not using our organs for making experiments. But many of you must know that there is in vitro testing. What are the peculiarities of it?

Well, in order not to use animals in research some scientists prefer using human cells. From one point of view, this testing allows making more correct conclusions about a disease. There is also an opinion that these animal experiments also save the lives of animals. When the biologists work on finding new vaccines, they, first of all, try it on the animal; in such a way the animal is vaccinated and is endangered from suffering from illnesses. The other problem which the tests help with is extinction. The black footed ferret, tamarins in Brazil and condor from California are still alive thanks being tested on. The scientific centers make us sure that save methods of research only are used. But sometimes, this way doesn’t work. The vaccine may be prepared incorrectly or it may not work. Or at least, some drugs which may have positive effect on human’s body, can affect of animals in a harmful way. What to do then? What to do it the vaccine caused for death? There is no way back, unfortunately. But the most unpleasant thing is that not all of the animals which are used for research are protected by the animal welfare act. But even those animals, whose life is protected, can get badly injured. None of us can imagine the pain during the experiments. As a result of an unsuccessful research, the animal welfare act can do nothing about it.

The other side of the problem concerns the animals which people consumes every day when they have a meal. Do you think it is human to eat a chicken? Before it got into your plate, it was also alive. People don’t complain about it, as the chicken should be eaten for the person to live. But the scientific and biological research are also conducted for making the life of people safer and better, don’t they? Of course, there are vegetarians who do not eat meat at all, but still the majority of people on Earth do eat. What is the difference than? What do you think about it? Do you think it is fair? Well, this question: whether to use animals for scientific research or not is still worth being considered, as there is no one strict opinion on it. The worldwide animal defense communities cannot answer it either. Some see it inhumanly, but others don’t agree with it. As for the people, they also have different point of views. But just think how many benefits we have today thanks the biological experiments which were held in the last years. There are many happy and live people, who could overcome even the most terrible disease – cancer. And just a few decades ago it was unreal. Today the drug stores are full of medicals that can be used for recovering from many illnesses.

So, should animals be used for research? The question is opened and there is no any ban for making animal research, so they are still held in biological institutions. All is important now is that all animal testing should be provided with safe technologies, as the life of animals must be respected. But is there is a possibility to avoid animal research, so it is better to use alternative methods, of course, in order not to cause harm to living creatures.