Animal Testing

Holly Mauch
Sue Vander Hook
Eng. Comp. 101-05
14 Nov. 2011
Animal Research: Is it right or wrong? The discussion of whether or not animal dissection and research is necessary as teaching tools and is morally correct has been dominated by two different views. On the one hand, some may argue that this violates animal rights, and how there are better ways of going about research and teaching. On the other hand, others also contend that this is a good way for researchers and students alike to get “hands on” experience, and is also morally just since it is used for a good purpose. Others even maintain that by using animals for something other than teaching is inaccurate since mice can react and have different symptoms compared to humans. My own view is that animal dissection and vivisection is just in how it can be used to find cures for various diseases, also depending on the type of research being done the similarity between the animal and humans isn’t that big of a factor and is taken into account. However, acts that are not done solely for research or knowledge should not be allowed since it is being done without a logical reason and can be considered as a form of animal abuse. May it be for a biology class where students dissect frogs, to a research lab where mice are used to study the symptoms and effects of various mental illnesses, animals have been used for research and teaching for years. Many view that using these animals for this purpose is wrong and could be considered as animal cruelty and morally wrong. Yet is this an accurate view? Is it right to view this type of research as wrong when it could potentially save countless of lives? Animal dissection and vivisection is a potential way to find solutions to various illnesses and is a good way to go about research and teaching. For years the discussion of whether or not animals should be used in research has been debated by various people. “Those who advocate animal welfare recognize the value of

Bibliography: “Dissection: Lessons in Cruelty.” peta.org. Web. 14 Oct. 2011 This article goes over how various animals are used various science classes and the various aspects involved with the issue. It goes over how many of these animals are supplied and chosen, and even cases in how they are treated. They go over different students views involving the topic, and different alternatives that can be taken. This article seems very one-sided which would be good for going over one side of the argument. Holmes, Hannah. "HIS Troubles ARE YOUR Troubles." Discover 32.9 (2011): 44-49. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. This Discover article discusses how mice are used in research, and the differences doing research on animals has. It also gives examples of different projects that involve using these mice, and what they are looking for in the experiment. It goes over both the pros and cons of using these mice in research, and goes over the various illnesses studied. This article is a good source in looking at how these animals are being used, and different viewpoints involved with it. Horner, Jennifer, and Fred D. Minifie. "Research Ethics I: Responsible Conduct Of Research (RCR)--Historical And Contemporary Issues Pertaining To Human And Animal Experimentation." Journal Of Speech, Language & Hearing Research 54.1 (2011): S303-S329. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. In this series of articles, the history and development of animal experimentation and the viewpoints behind it are explained. It also goes over the various Acts and Research done throughout the years, and how it has changed. This article also goes over what the different viewpoints are, and what their expectations are involving the issue. This article is a very good source involving information on the history and development on Animal Rights, and what are the various viewpoints involved. Masci, David. "Fighting Over Animal Rights." CQ Researcher 2 Aug. 1996: 673-96. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. This Pro/Con article goes over the pros and cons involving animal dissection and vivisection. They both clearly and effectively support their stance on whether or not it is right or wrong, and gives good examples for each. This article would be a good article in looking at two different viewpoints and in determining which view is best. Pycroft, Laurie, and Helen Marston. "Is Animal Testing Necessary To Advance Medical Research?." New Internationalist 444 (2011): 34-36. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. This article goes over how much humans and animals differ and why these animals are still used for research and testing. It also goes over what these animals are tested to find, and what models are best for this type of research. This article is ok in that it gives good examples of what exactly is studied, and how it does briefly go over possible opposing viewpoints.