With several animal testing laboratories right here on campus, UW-Madison students are quite familiar with the numerous protests and disputes that arise every year because of the mere presence of these labs.
It is estimated that roughly 20 million animals are used each year in experiments across the United States. These animals are used for a variety of experiments, such toxicology testing, applied research and theoretical research.
Applied research refers to studies that have the goal of solving real-life problems, such as discovering the cure for a disease. Theoretical research aims to find out more on the subject's anatomy, physiology, psychology, etc. Toxicology testing includes experiments with pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes.
I morally accept the applied research and certain theoretical research conducted on animals. It is the majority of toxicology tests performed, especially those with cosmetic purposes, which I find to be ethically wrong on several levels.
Proponents of animal testing have pointed out that experimentation on animals has been behind most every major medical advancement this past century. Applied animal research has been used to develop treatments for several diseases, including polio, herpes and hepatitis B. Many common medical procedures, such as measuring and treating high blood pressure through the use of a pacemaker, have also been perfected on animal subjects.
This sort of research has benefited mankind in countless ways, and it is very likely that all of us know someone who owes their life to a medical practice that tested initially on animals.
These types of medical treatments and procedures save thousands of lives every year, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Of course, we still need to limit the number of animals being tested on and ensure that the animals are treated with respect and care. But in this case the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Theoretical testing is a bit more questionable when it comes to morals. Experimentation on living creatures, even in the name of science, should be strictly limited because this could spell torture and death for the animal. This form of research aims to increase the amount of knowledge we have on a subject, but at what cost? Is it acceptable to kill or torture an animal in the name of science?
On the other hand, the scientific insights we can gain from studying these animals could give us a greater understanding of the world we live in, and consequently help us in scientific and medical breakthroughs. In this case, the amount of tests and experiments being conducted should be strictly moderated.
Toxicology testing, however, is deplorable. Toxicology experiments on animals are used to get a drug, a treatment or a form of therapy approved by the Food and Drug Association. Many of these tests are used to earn the approval of pharmaceutical drugs. Most of these drugs would eventually be accepted by the FDA without the use of animals in research, though this is an often times the longer and costlier route. This course, however, needs to be taken by drug companies as this would dramatically decrease the amount of animals needlessly tortured and killed for the sake of a quicker drug approval.
Cosmetic toxicology testing is especially unethical. Why should animals be subjected to this treatment so that some old women can smooth out a few wrinkles, as was the case with Botox? According to the Humane Society of the United States, Allergan Inc., the company that produces Botox, has killed and poisoned hundreds of animals while testing the potency of Botox. Allergan even admitted to conducting these sorts of experiments and is currently trying to find an alternative. But hundreds of animals, perhaps more, have already died.
It is this sort of research that is the most contemptible. The majority of cosmetic products use animal testing so that their product can be available to the common consumer months earlier than what would be possible without the testing. It is this sort of application of animal research that is truly appalling.
Although I can find several reasons to support applied animal testing and certain theoretical research practices, I cannot support toxicology experiments. We should treat animals with respect, not use them as expendable research subjects so that the drug and cosmetic companies can approve their products months earlier and turn a larger profit. It is this disregard for a living creature's life that is inexcusable.
Ryan Dashek is a sophomore majoring in biology. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com
