Animal Testing: Pros and Cons Animal Testing Essay

Animal Testing: Pros and Cons

Animal testing is when animals are used in scientific experiments (Richards). Most animal testing is done by universities, pharmaceutical companies, and medical schools. Most animals used for research are breed for the specific purpose of testing and few animals used for testing are captured from the wild. Some animal testing is done for basic research such as behavior studies and genetics while other animal testing is done for the benefit of humans. This research includes drug testing, surgical procedures, medical equipment, and somewhat inconsequential applications like; cosmetics, and other household products. Most animals that are used for researched are euthanized once the experiment is finished.

Opinions about the ethics of animal testing have shifted greatly through the end of the 20th century and into the 21st century (Dixon). Some question the accuracy of animal testing and if animal testing can be done humanely. Others argue that animal testing is an invaluable tool for research and that countless lifesaving medical breakthroughs are the result of animal testing.

Many who are against animal testing claim that the treatment of the animals is inhumane. Many groups argue that animals have the same right to life as human beings and that it is not worth euthanizing animals for the benefit of mankind (Aldhous, Coghlan and Copley). Many also argue that using animals to test the effects of cosmetics and household products is not an important enough reason to sacrifice an animal.

In animal testing, countless animals are experimented on and then killed after their use. Others are injured and will still live the remainder of their lives in captivity (Richards). The unfortunate aspect is that many of these animals received tests for substances that will never actually see approval or public consumption and use. It is this aspect of animal testing that many view as a major negative against the practice.This aspect seems to show the idea that the animal died in vain because no direct benefit to humans occurred from the animal testing.

Another con on the issue of animal testing is the sheer cost. Animal testing generally costs an enormous amount of money (Dixon). Animals must be fed, housed, cared for and treated with drugs or a similar experimental substance. The controlled environment is important but it comes with a high cost. On top of that, animal testing may occur more than once and over the course of months, which means that additional costs are incurred. The price of animals themselves must also be factored into the equation. There are companies who breed animals specifically for testing and animals can be purchased through them.

There is also the argument that the reaction of a drug in an animal's body is quite different from the reaction in a human (Richards). The main criticism here is that some believe animal testing is unreliable. Following on that criticism is the premise that because animals are in an unnatural environment, they will be under stress. Therefore, they won't react to the drugs in the same way compared to their potential reaction in a natural environment. This argument further weakens the validity of animal experimentation.

Animal testing is also incredibly expensive. The cost of housing, storing, and caring for animals is very high (Dixon). Animals used for testing are usually obtained from specific breeding facilities and come with a….....