Should we be allowed to test on animals?
The subject of animal testing has been a controversial topic debated between animal rights activists and scientists for years. This website will look at the question "Should we be allowed to test on animals" from the perspective of three different ethical laws; Kantian ethics, Situation Ethics and Utilitarianism. We shall come to a conclusion on whether or not it is ethical and moral to perform testing on animals.
So what is Animal Testing?
Animals testing is the use of animals, that are not human but may well be other primates, for the purpose of identifying any risks or side-effects of various chemicals, prior to that chemical going into clinical trials on humans, being the last phase before being released to the general public. Scientists test different vaccines, other medicinal compounds and cosmetic brands such as make- up and soaps. It is a requirement of the EPA and the FDA(regulatory bodies) that chemicals, vaccines and drugs are to be tested on animals prior to release on the market. The scientists use animals such as mice, rats, birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, farm animals, dogs and cats.
The Statistics
It is estimated that between 100 - 150 million animals are used per year worldwide in a whole range of experiments. However, this number does not include the millions of animals that are tested on in the USA (and therefore are not part of the Animal Welfare Act) as these do not have to be reported. Added to this , between 50 - 100 million invertebrates are used in animal testing annually. However, despite these staggering amounts of animals lives being used, scientists report that over 92% of tests to predict the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical compounds fail to enter into clinical trials.
Most animals are either killed as a result of the experiment or the injuries sustained from the testing are so horrific that they are subsequently euthanised. Many animals used are "purpose bred" for testing and are only ever used for these purposes until they die.The minority of animals are supplied by dealers, who either obtain them from auctions, news papers or animal shelters.
Of course, there are many issues that are raised when thinking about animal testing. For example, should there be a difference between medical and cosmetic testing?Should the ranking that a specific animal has on the endangerment list be a factor when considering animal testing?. These different questions will all be considered when answering the question "SHOULD WE BE ALLOWED TO TEST PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS ON ANIMALS?"
So what is Animal Testing?
Animals testing is the use of animals, that are not human but may well be other primates, for the purpose of identifying any risks or side-effects of various chemicals, prior to that chemical going into clinical trials on humans, being the last phase before being released to the general public. Scientists test different vaccines, other medicinal compounds and cosmetic brands such as make- up and soaps. It is a requirement of the EPA and the FDA(regulatory bodies) that chemicals, vaccines and drugs are to be tested on animals prior to release on the market. The scientists use animals such as mice, rats, birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, farm animals, dogs and cats.
The Statistics
It is estimated that between 100 - 150 million animals are used per year worldwide in a whole range of experiments. However, this number does not include the millions of animals that are tested on in the USA (and therefore are not part of the Animal Welfare Act) as these do not have to be reported. Added to this , between 50 - 100 million invertebrates are used in animal testing annually. However, despite these staggering amounts of animals lives being used, scientists report that over 92% of tests to predict the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical compounds fail to enter into clinical trials.
Most animals are either killed as a result of the experiment or the injuries sustained from the testing are so horrific that they are subsequently euthanised. Many animals used are "purpose bred" for testing and are only ever used for these purposes until they die.The minority of animals are supplied by dealers, who either obtain them from auctions, news papers or animal shelters.
Of course, there are many issues that are raised when thinking about animal testing. For example, should there be a difference between medical and cosmetic testing?Should the ranking that a specific animal has on the endangerment list be a factor when considering animal testing?. These different questions will all be considered when answering the question "SHOULD WE BE ALLOWED TO TEST PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS ON ANIMALS?"