Animal Research 3

Even though there have been many advances through animal research, I have come to feel more strongly now that animal research is morally and ethically wrong and I believe that there could be alternatives other than testing on animals. Certain factors must be considered when looking at the inhumane treatment of animals in research facilities.   Every year millions of animals undergo pain, suffering or death as a result of scientific research into the effects of drugs, food additives, cosmetics and other chemical products. With the advancement of technology, more and more products have been introduced into the world, paving a more convenient life style for mankind paying little regard to the long term effects on human health, animals and our environment.
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. The unfortunate aspect is that many of these animals received tests for substances that will never actually see approval or public consumption and use. Animals are conscious, self-aware creatures and have the ability to perceive themselves at a particular moment in time separate from others, as an individual. They are aware of sensations that travel through their nerves and to their brains, such as pain when caused from external stimuli. Self aware animals have the ability to reason and think they’re way through a problem. This is evident in many different species of animals especially apes. Apes have been taught to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions using sign language and lexigrams, they also have the ability to complete difficult and complex tasks, and in many circumstances innovate tools to meet their needs. Combining their language and cognitive capacities apes are able to match the abilities of a two year old human. While it would never be considered morally permissible to perform medical experiments on two year old human infants, why... [continues]

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