The invaluable benefits of animal experimentation are evident with the many breakthroughs in science and medicine. But the issue may always be contentious, especially from the stand and activities of animal rights activists. On moral grounds, animal rights activists strongly oppose the “killing” of experimental animals for research into diseases and health. Understandably so, since some of the animals used are considered pets in some homes and also edible.
For the scientists who carry out these experiments, they explain that the systems of some of these animals bear similarities with that of humans. This makes it easier to translate their findings for application in daily medical practice.
Before a scientist is given the okay to carry out experiments on animals, he must be trained and is subjected to intense scrutiny by the Home Office. He must then obtain three licenses after an assessment. These are the Project, Personal and Animal licenses, after which regular inspections are carried out on the premises by vets, to ensure compliance with animal health and safety. The animals used in the experimentation labs are bought from designated and registered breeding companies. The experiments are carried out on mice, rats, rabbits and pigs.
According to the scientists who carry out the experimentation, the animals are mainly useful for research into the development and spread of different kinds of cancers. Not only this, but also brain, heart, lung and gum diseases are experimented on with these animals, among a long list of diseases.
Today, there are many cures as well as marked progress with stem cell research as a result of the outcome of these experiments. Even though some experiments are carried out on human beings, animals are used for a larger percentage. This indicates the significant role played in research laboratories. Since there is no alternative to cell culture, the continuous need to find new medicines makes it necessary for animal testing. The outcome which undoubtedly alleviates the suffering brought on by disease and incapacitation.
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