Animal Laboratory Testing

When do convictions based on the concepts of humanity and compassion result in acts of poisoning, arson, assault, and robbery? It is hard to imagine the answer, yet these very acts are among the tactics used by some animal rights activists who claim they are acting out of sympathy and concern.

While they argue that they are seeking humane treatment for animals, they hinder scientists’ constant search for cures and answers to diseases that plague humans… humans who have emotions, relationships, responsibilities, and futures. Since research involving animals actually helps preserve human lives, it must be done.

In looking at this controversial issue, one cannot deny that animal research has led to major medical breakthroughs. Some of the most valuable discoveries have led to the development of antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, and treatments for kidney disease (Haugen 17). Animals have greatly assisted scientists in developing antibiotics to treat dangerous bacterial diseases. Bacterial infections such as pneumonia, typhoid, cholera, and scarlet fever can now all be treated with antibiotics that were developed with and tested on animals before being used to treat people (Haugen 17).

Cancer, one of the world’s greatest health concerns, is a primary focus area of medical research. According to Nancy Day, “If animal research on cancer had been restricted twenty years ago, more than half of the anticancer drugs in use today would not be available” (82). One can only imagine the difference this startling statistic would make in the lives of today’s cancer victims.

Another area where key medical breakthroughs have been made is that of kidney disease, a devastating illness. In its most extreme forms, it damages the kidneys to the point that they can no longer function on their own; the only two treatment choices are dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant. The procedure of dialysis on a kidney machine was developed as a direct result of work on dogs and rabbits. The primary drug used to treat those on dialysis is called heparin and it too was discovered by experiments on dogs. Finally, the very procedure of a kidney transplant was developed through animal testing and it is in wide use today (Haugen 21). Clearly, animal experimentation has been a vital element in aiding scientists in developing treatments for all of these dangerous conditions.

In addition to providing medical breakthroughs for the good of humans, research on animals directly benefits both pets and farm animals. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, about 62% of Americans have at least one pet in their household (1). Just as babies receive a common round of vaccinations, pets are also immunized in the modern world. These pets benefit from vaccines against canine distemper, feline leukemia, parvovirus, and heart worm. Each of these vaccines was developed through animal research (McCoy 41). On farms, deadly Brucella organisms specifically attack cattle, goats, and swine. However, vaccines developed because of animal experimentation now save the lives of animals affected by these organisms (McCoy 41).