I do think it is unethical however I understand the need for it. Animal testing is critical for advancing medicines and bringing them to patients. Unfortunately, until we find an ethical alternative I don't see this changing any time soon. There are laws in place that ensure we maintain humane care of animals, such as the Animal Welfare Act. In my experience in academic research, we filed IACUC applications in order to be able to perform any experiment. The application would provide detailed descriptions of the procedure and the treatment. It would require you to provide detailed plans of how the animal would be cared for, how would pain be managed, who would supervise the animal and how often, what diets would be followed. Additionally, extensive literary research justifying the experiment. Personnel needed to be qualified and appropriately trained. The committee that reviewed was always thorough with their questions and information they required. You also needed to prove that this could not be done without animal testing.
Today, because experiments on animals are cruel, expensive, and generally inapplicable to humans. The world’s most forward-thinking scientists have moved on to develop and use methods for studying diseases and testing products that replace animals and are actually relevant to human health. These alternatives to animal testing include sophisticated tests using human cells and tissues (also known as in vitro methods), advanced computer-modeling techniques (often referred to as in silico models), and studies with human volunteers. These and other non-animal methods are not hindered by species differences that make applying animal test results to humans difficult or impossible, and they usually take less time and money to complete.
This is a critical issue with every new drug or device developed to be tested. But it causes severe problems if the tests were directly conducted on humans instead of animals. Animal testing has been the only approved way to test any new drugs or devices. It helps to recognize the side effects or any critical problems that might affect the humans with the new drug or device. Due to the current developments there are few in vitro methods and other advanced techniques to overcome this testing on animals to certain extent. I feel that with the further developments and advancements in science animal testing can be reduced if there is a success with the in vitro models and other advanced techniques with are close to the human body in reaction to the new drug or devices.
I do not believe this is unethical because strict regulations are in place to prevent this from happening. The only alternatives are humans or human-like systems that would be constructed models. If people believe using animals are unethical, I do not believe they would approve of using human subjects. With this in mind, I believe the least invasive method is to use animals in a controlled environment using strict regulations.
PETA as a organization I believe has the correct motives however, there are quite a few principles that they stand by that I do not agree with. With that being said, my career goal is and view point is that from a research scientist. I when it comes to coming up with new medications and understanding the biocompatibility of a new medical device, I side with animal testing. There are times that I am on the fence about this however, when you put a few things into perspective such as, do you really want to give an 6 year old child a new medication to stop their seizures without first testing the cytotoxicity, irritation, and systemic Tox just to name a few. These are factors in which I consider are serious enough to continue with the utilization of animals prior to testing on humans, especially children.
Animal models are essential when attempting to see the effects of medical devices in a live system. I acknowledge that the taking of animal life may be unethical in a setting without procedures, but done in a lab where the animals' vitals are constantly monitored along with stress and nutrition levels. Until the moment of its sacrifice, the animal is being cared for. Several studies and certifications are to be done to ensure the animal is not going through any unnecessary pain while testing is performed. I think the ethical question is, " Is this animal going through unnecessary suffering while they undergo these procedures?" If the answer is no, then the research is ethical. I am against excessively using animal models without purpose, and I believe that is unethical. As long as the research does no unnecessary harm to the animals or any humans involved, I believe the use of animal models is ethical.
Although science has been around for a while, technology is something that has been evolving in the past 20 years. Pre-clinical is very important to every and any kind of medical research. But what is also important is ethics behind animal testing. Some organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are fighting for stopping animal testing. PETA and other organizations like this believe it is cruel to perform on animals and use them for science. Although they do help us have better medications and medical devices, they are dying for the name of science. Do you think this is unethical? Are there alternatives?
As long as the animals are being fed and have water, there should be no debate. People are concerned more about the lives of mice and primates than they are about other human beings, and that is the real issue. Members of these organizations are all for stopping animal testing until they need the medicine that resulted from it. In my opinion, there are not any viable alternatives in some trials. And that's okay.
@puneet says it perfectly. Though animal testing can be a bit unethical depending on the perspective, it may be something that would be difficult to eliminate. Animals have been used for many years in research and with their use, there have been countless discoveries; especially in the realm of drug discovery and medical devices. There are many regulations in place to ensure the ethical use of animals in research. It will be hard to find an alternative to animal testing. This sparks a thought of whether computer based approaches will be used in the future if possible.
There are scientists who are developing and using animal-free methods that are actually shown to be relevant to human health for studying diseases and testing products. There is a variety of cell-based tests and tissue models that can be used to assess the safety of drugs, chemicals, cosmetics, and consumer products. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) reports on a chip that contains human cells grown in a system to mimic the structure and function of human organs.
Being that I am a dog owner of two amazing Pitbull's, I believe that there could be another way to experiment with animals. The animal testing should not have to require an animal losing their life. There are plenty of other ways research and experiments can be done. Through electronic simulators and applications. However, for the greater good of human life. Some drugs and devices must be tested on humans to help prevent a rapid pandemic such as when Covid-19 occurred. I believe that animals who do go through these experiments should still be treated with respect and given a chance to enjoy life, if the experiment does not result in death.
Being that I am a dog owner of two amazing Pitbull's, I believe that there could be another way to experiment with animals. The animal testing should not have to require an animal losing their life. There are plenty of other ways research and experiments can be done. Through electronic simulators and applications. However, for the greater good of human life. Some drugs and devices must be tested on humans to help prevent a rapid pandemic such as when Covid-19 occurred. I believe that animals who do go through these experiments should still be treated with respect and given a chance to enjoy life, if the experiment does not result in death.
I think this is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, I feel like there have to be other ways to test things without using animals because we can't be 100 percent of how they handle the pain, and knowing that the study will cause them pain and suffering to help save human lives. However, I am conflicted because as much as people do not want there to be tests done on animals, they are also against cloning. Maybe cloning cells and tissues would be great alternatives, but will that too be considered unethical?
Although science has been around for a while, technology is something that has been evolving in the past 20 years. Pre-clinical is very important to every and any kind of medical research. But what is also important is ethics behind animal testing. Some organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are fighting for stopping animal testing. PETA and other organizations like this believe it is cruel to perform on animals and use them for science. Although they do help us have better medications and medical devices, they are dying for the name of science. Do you think this is unethical? Are there alternatives?
If the pros of animal testing benefit the greater good that even if it seems immoral, it is ethically sound. This is a bit of a Utilitarianism standpoint, but this is the ethical standpoint I align with the most because it considers everyone's party. There have been so many vital and important developments that have stemmed from animal testing, for example, inhalers, cancer treatments, organ transplants, vaccines that combat global pandemics. In addition, there have been plenty of developments that have benefited animals as well. How do you think the treatments and vaccines that save the lives of someone's pet come about? In my opinion, as long as it is regulated properly and the animals are not suffering, it is ethical to test on them. Otherwise, what would be the alternative?
Although science has been around for a while, technology is something that has been evolving in the past 20 years. Pre-clinical is very important to every and any kind of medical research. But what is also important is ethics behind animal testing. Some organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are fighting for stopping animal testing. PETA and other organizations like this believe it is cruel to perform on animals and use them for science. Although they do help us have better medications and medical devices, they are dying for the name of science. Do you think this is unethical? Are there alternatives?
If the pros of animal testing benefit the greater good that even if it seems immoral, it is ethically sound. This is a bit of a Utilitarianism standpoint, but this is the ethical standpoint I align with the most because it considers everyone's party. There have been so many vital and important developments that have stemmed from animal testing, for example, inhalers, cancer treatments, organ transplants, vaccines that combat global pandemics. In addition, there have been plenty of developments that have benefited animals as well. How do you think the treatments and vaccines that save the lives of someone's pet come about? In my opinion, as long as it is regulated properly and the animals are not suffering, it is ethical to test on them. Otherwise, what would be the alternative?
Being that I am a dog owner of two amazing Pitbull's, I believe that there could be another way to experiment with animals. The animal testing should not have to require an animal losing their life. There are plenty of other ways research and experiments can be done. Through electronic simulators and applications. However, for the greater good of human life. Some drugs and devices must be tested on humans to help prevent a rapid pandemic such as when Covid-19 occurred. I believe that animals who do go through these experiments should still be treated with respect and given a chance to enjoy life, if the experiment does not result in death.
I agree with you. I think that it is important to consider the great or good. Unfortunately, some animals lose their lives, but the developments that stem from that could save millions of lives. I think it's also important to consider how certain vaccines and treatments from animals come about. The same treatments that save the furry friend you cherish like a family member can come from the same research that saves a human family member. I think it's easy for many people to say it's wrong but not provide any substantial alternatives that wouldn't completely collapse and or handicap the research industry.
