scientist use animals 4 experiments sometimes very painful. do u think they should stop using them?

Question

animals have their rights why should we make them suffer 4 our own beneffit

Answer 1

I have studied this topic in depth (I hold a science degree, Zoology major and have undertaken philosophy units) and also work within the field. Because of this I know how strict ethics are on animal research (in Australia at least) and believe that non-animal replacements should be used where-ever possible, and research should reduce the amount of pain and suffering inflicted. The mice I look after (my job is to take care of the research animals) have VERY minimal suffering and in the event that they do become ill, we ease their pain (as you would your own pets). Being an avid animal lover, I abhor any research that has the purposeful intent on causing pain and discomfort, especially on unecessary studies (cosmetics etc). However, being a scientist I am also aware that it is impractical and, I hate to say too expensive, to undertake medical research on humans (which you wouldnt get ethics approval for anyway) or computer models (which aren't always accurate). I look forward to the day when scientific advancements allow us to cease experimentation on animals, such as computer modelling, tissue replacements etc. However, following the current ethical guidlines, scientists much minimise the amount of experimental animals used, use replacement methods where possible (eg tissue cultures or computer models), provide pain relief where pain is inflicted and illustrate how the study is beneficial in the long run to other animals and/or humans. Harsh penalities apply to any researcher who does not follow these ethical codes and they are checked regularily and thoroughly. Indeed, I am sure in some places animals are subjected to horrific tests. I have also seen pets and domestic animals treated far, far worse than any of the research animals I have come across. I have had to witness kittens being euthenased because people couldnt be bothered getting their cats desexed, because we didnt have enough room, because these poor young animals became ill due to the horrific conditions they were placed in, because someone "fell out of love" (yep, its true!)
Sadly, if it weren't for the use of animals in research, we wouldnt have such simple medications as paracetamol, insulin and other things we use in every day life.
The other side of the coin is whether you believe animals to be sentient or not. If you do not believe they are then there is little ethical dilemma in them being used for studies, whether they benefit humans or not. Now, I personally dont believe this, but there are interesting arguments to be found on the topic, that really do make you think...
In an ideal world, we wouldnt need to use animals for the betterment of medicine, science or knowledge. However, reality is that somehow study needs to be done. At least we can make it a pleasant and comfortable experience for them while they are here...

Answer 2

I may not be the best person to ask b/c of my philosophy, but I'll take a shot.

A few years ago I would have said, as long as humans benefit substantially (medically as opposed to cosmetically), we can continue.

now I say it's completely irrelevant. All life on the earth is just randomly trying to recycle the free energy at the surface of the earth. In a few thousand years, humans will probably be dead, after a few more bilion years the earth will be a cinder. At that point will it really matter what happened to a few thousand humans or a few million animals? i think not.

Answer 3

No. I know it can be painful for the animals, but we are the only species that can frame such a question and do the actual experimentation. Our need, as a species, is greater than any rationalization or justification that we could give for what we do to the animals we use this way. We must have the knowledge from the experiments, yet.

Answer 4

They would need a replacement of people to run the tests on. I don't think that is realistic or ethical.

When a surgeon is planning to do a very intricate operation on a person they sometimes will perform an equivalent operation on a dog to be sure they will not make a fatal error on the person. I don't think that is a step that the patient would want to see them skipping.

Answer 5

Yes they should stop using the other animals. Yes, of course! How can one NOT suffer at the thought of anothers unnessary suffering. When humans get sick and die, it's a natural process. Look at the extreme population! Why should innocent animals suffer so needlessly...only too further the human infestation of our planet? I would rather DIE, than live because of the suffering of others.