Exploring the Morality of Animal Testing
“The question is not, ‘Can they reason?’ nor, ‘Can they talk?’, but rather, ‘Can they suffer?’”
- Jeremy Bentham
Introduction
Would you enjoy being forcefully exposed to toxic substances for long timeframes? How about being inflicted by pain through sharp needles or psychological torture? We have all heard about animal testing. It refers to the use of non-human animals in the fields of science and medicine to carry out research that could otherwise potentially harm humans. But this procedure poses an ethical challenge. While animal lovers strongly condemn this practice, anyone interested in scientific advancements in human drug development would likely be indifferent to the potential suffering of the animals involved. It is, therefore, no surprise that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) reports that 110 million animals are killed every year in US laboratories during animal testing.
Pros: Benefits to Human Health and Scientific Advancements
There’s no question about the usefulness of testing anything before allowing for its mass production. Take the simple case of a faulty boxing glove. As a manufacturer, you’d prefer to catch flaws in a sample than have issues reported at a macroscopic level. Similarly, animal testing is a way to test certain drugs before exposing them to the public. One of its constructive uses has been the development of treatments for a wide array of diseases like cancer and diabetes. Consumer goods like cosmetic products and cleaning solvents also undergo animal testing. The goal is straightforward — develop products and technologies that benefit humans without risking human lives in the testing phases.
Cons: Suffering and Ill-treatment of Animals
Since it is almost impossible to directly communicate with animals, their consent remains an issue. The ability to arrive at a mutual decision is absent in the case of animals. One largely-propagated concern of animal testing is the treatment given to the animals. While most governments have established animal protection laws, one cannot rule out the possibility of neglect or abuse. Common forms of abuse in animal testing include:
- Physical abuse — Beating, hitting, or any physical harm caused to the animals.
- Inadequate resources — Failure to provide an adequate supply of oxygen, food, water, or medical care.
- Overcrowding — Keeping the animals in a cramped cage can lead to mental stress.
Alternative Testing Options
A major argument against animal testing is the existence of alternative methods. Technological advances in computer modelling can simulate human biology and predict the progressions of diseases. Therefore, accurate information can be provided, regarding the effectiveness and safety of drugs, without the need for animal testing. Besides, in vitro testing is gaining popularity. In this method, human cell cultures are used, which mimic the structure and function of organs.
These methods can be more precise, and even less expensive. Most importantly, they eliminate ethical concerns regarding animals.
Is Animal Testing Ethical?
Animal testing has been, is, and will remain a controversial issue. While it can provide valuable information regarding the safety of certain drugs and procedures, the well-being of the animals is an ethical concern. Similar to most ethical dilemmas, there is no ‘correct’ side. While it sounds evil, animal testing is not a wicked procedure if its negatives are mitigated. Therefore, it is up to us to ensure that the involved animals are treated humanely, and not subject to life-threatening toxins.
Animal testing exists for malicious purposes too. Nasty people use animal testing as a pretext to bully and torture animals. These people spoil the reputation of ethical animal testing. Hence, it is imperative to verify the reliability of laboratories and research projects that engage in this practice.
Lastly, alternative techniques should be used whenever possible. We must consider that animals are living beings too. From a moral standpoint, it is incorrect to involve them in scientific experiments without their consent.
My Opinion
As an animal lover, my take on this issue is biased, so it’s best to read it with a pinch of salt:
I condemn animal testing. Honestly, would any human be willing to put themself in the shoes of these helpless animals? To be cramped into a cage where vile experiments (whose results are often not known beforehand) are conducted forcefully on your body. The welfare and ethical treatment of animals are issues close to me. Consider a hypothetical scenario. What would happen if we were to interchange humans and animals? After all, it is only fair for all living beings to be looked at through the lens of equality. Would you be willing to experience life-threatening trauma, unimaginable levels of stress, and intense physical torture just to ensure someone’s cosmetics are safe? The thought of this situation makes me uneasy. I can’t help but feel sympathetic for the animals that have to go through this daily. In conclusion, I dislike the concept of animal testing and hope that the world turns to alternatives sooner than later. Thank you for reading!
Helpful Links:
About Animal Testing
https://www.hsi.org/news-media/about/
Statistics About Animal Testing
Alternatives to Animal Testing
https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/alternatives-animal-testing/
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