Do you think it is ethically moral for human beings to test on animals simply for our own benefit and progress

Answer 1

In a word, yes. Another way to ask this question would be; "Is it ethically moral to test on humans simply for our own benefit and progress.", as this is what would be needed were it not for animal testing. There are no computer models that can accurately reproduce the biochemical interactions that occur inside of our bodies. The closest that we can get is by using animal models. Just consider medication; some characteristics that need to be determined before a medicine can be released are:

1. Lethal dose (LD50 is the usual measurement): How much is too much?

2. Systemic and Local Effects

3. Side Effects

4. Interactions with other compounds

All of these, and many others, must be determined before a medication can be used. The reason is simple, people would die if it was not done. All drugs go through animal testing before they are brought forward for human trials in order to limit the possibility of a fatal reaction.

Answer 2

Of course. I place a much higher value on human life than animal life which I believe is defensible from either a religious perspective in which humans have higher inherent value, or from an atheist perspective in which it is in our best evolutionary interest. If you are a strict vegan or have another similar religious belief, I can see how it would be a problem, but if you are willing to kill an animal for food and other products I don't see why it would be any more problematic to sacrifice animals for the sake of developing drugs that would cure human disease. Certain animals also benefit quite a bit from animal testing which leads to development of antibiotics and other drugs for veterinary use.

Answer 3

Yes.

The animals should be treated as humanely as possible, but certain things need to be done before human testing can be done.

I think human testing is preferable whever possible.

If you had a child that needed medicine or if your best friend needed an experimental procedure, you would probably sacrifice an animal to advance their cures.

I admit I have issues with animal testing for vanity products like makeup and shampoo though.

But as long as the product in question states whether or not animals were used to develop it, I think that would be reasonable and then consumers could make their own choices.

Answer 4

Far more moral than to test on human beings. And its certainly more moral than to let out products that are untested, to cause needless human deaths. It's terrible that animals are tested on and even die for our beneft, but then, we eat them, we wear them, why not use them for this as well? Without animal research our medicine would have gone nowhere. Much of the technology helping me through my difficult pregnancy now would have been nonexistant without experiments on pregnant mice... and truly animals are more expendable than people, cheaper, and more replacable. It's a sad, sad truth for a sad world, but it's almost a necessary evil. If I were to get a medicine that was never tested on an animal first and I died of poisoning that would have caused more havoc than if some rat somewhere died.

Answer 5

Being in the industry myself (I take care of the animals) you have to see the bigger picture. Also, there is research being conducted to save the lives of other animals. You have to understand that it is very hard for researchers (in Canada, atleast) to use animal. The amount of justification, protocol, and guidelines they must go through really protect the animal. And it ensures they use the smallest number of animals as possible. Research and the ethics behind it have come along way.

I understand that many people wonder why I work in this industry when I don't like animal testing. I'm there for the animal, as are my co-workers. We are there to make it as hospitable for them as we can, and ensure their safety.

Answer 6

There are animals that are bred just for testing, just like the ones that are bred for food. If you had an appendicitis would you want a doctor to operate on you that had never had any practice on a living patient? Testing can be done without hurting the animals.

Answer 7

I believe it is moral and ethical. We don't have to abuse these animals. Animals are our complement in this world. We need them to help us develop a better life. If we do it correctly, then they will benefit as well.

Answer 8

Why not? Is it moral to allow people to suffer because we were worried about the feelings of a rabbit (when we don't even know if a rabbit has feelings)?

Answer 9

If it's to create a product that will save human life, absolutely. If you're talking about cosmetics and/or other useless stuff... No.

Answer 10

Yes, completely.