Animal Testing: Controversy and Alternatives

Daniela Hrizo, 7/21/24

What is Animal Testing?

Animal testing refers to using a variety of animals in experiments or research to study how different products affect behavior, the body, etc. These animals may also be put in these procedures to simulate how humans may react to certain cosmetic products or medicinal drugs. Using live animals in these procedures is very common. According to Humane Society International, “It is estimated that more than 115 million animals worldwide are used in laboratory experiments every year.”

Importance & Purpose

Animals are used in laboratories to learn about health problems and determine the safety of medical treatments. Animal testing has become a common process in the commercial industry. As mentioned previously, animal testing is also common when making cosmetics. They have become critical in ensuring that products are safe for humans. Since some animals are biologically similar to humans and may be susceptible to similar health issues, they are the most appropriate test subjects. On top of that, they have relatively short life-spans, so they can study the effect of products over the course of their life. They also live in captivity, so the scientists can control several variables and the environment (e.g. food, temperature, interaction). However, their life-long captivity fuels the wide-spread debate regarding the humanity of animal testing, which will be discussed next.

All information is derived from the American Physiological Society.

Controversy

There is a very large controversy around animal testing. The most fundamental idea against it is the inhumane approach towards the animals. On top of that, there aren’t many laws that protect these animals. Thanks to activism and animal rights movements, there have been improvements over the years, but many countries don’t collect or publish data regarding animal testing, so we don’t know exactly if progress is being made internationally. Since it is a well-known controversial topic, there are two distinct perspectives of animal testing.

According to Britannica ProCon:

Pro 1: Animal testing contributes to life-saving cures and treatments for humans and animals alike.

Con 1: Animal testing is cruel and inhumane.

Pro 2: Animals are appropriate research subjects because they are similar to human beings in many ways.

Con 2: Animal tests do not reliably predict results in human beings.

Pro 3: Animal research is highly regulated, with laws in place to protect animals from mistreatment.

Con 3: Alternative testing methods now exist that can replace the need for animals.

Meet the Animals

The following animals are the most commonly used in animal testing:

Rats & Mice: They are known for being sentient, smart, and social. They are the most widely used animals in animal testing.

Guinea Pigs: They love to play and have complex social structures.

Dogs: They are highly protective of their offspring, stay with the pack (and have separation anxiety), and have an amazing sense of smell.

Primates: They are the closest representation of humans, communicate like us (e.g. vocally, facial expressions, gestures), and use tools.

All information is derived from faunalytics.

Alternatives

Computer Simulations & Virtual Reality: Along with impressive advancements in technology, it is reasonable to suggest using electronic and virtual methods to test products.

Organism On A Chip: The chips are intended to simulate the passing of medicines.

Physical Simulations: Scientists can construct artificial tissues and organs to do experiments without the use of animals.

Human Volunteers: It is agreed that utilizing human volunteers is the most accurate way to conduct experiments. However, there are underlying ethical issues associated with this solution.

In Vitro Models: Scientists can study cell cultures microscopically to understand cellular processes. This is considered relatively ethical.

All information is derived from faunalytics.