Animal testing is nothing new. Most people have people have probably heard of animal testing at one point or another in their life. Companies ranging from cosmetics to de-odorant and even pharmaceuticals use animals to test their product and make sure that it will have no adverse affect on humans. This can be a very good thing or a very bad thing depending on how you view it.
From a human’s standpoint, it is a very wise choice to use animals to test certain products that could possibly have harmful effects. This can help prevent anything from a rash-causing formula to a lethal concoction. Even with animal testing, some ill effects go un-noticed. This can bring about mountains of lawsuits upon manufacturers of certain products if someone does experience those un-noticed effects. That being said, the manufacturers only have that much more reason to continue to test with animals.
From the animals view now, this may not be the best thing. This is the view that some people and organizations such as PETA try to see things from. The animals used in the tests do not have a say in it and are having their lives put on the table by someone who does not have the animals life at the top of their priorities. Another factor that can be used in defense of the animals is that there are people who sign up to be product testers.
Now, to bring both views into perspective. It is unfair to the animals, however, it is in the best interest of the consumer. Also, if we were to discontinue using animals for trials, I do not believe that we would have enough people willing to participate in such tests. On the other hand, we are using animals as disposable tests while in fact they are living creatures too. An interesting video on youtube shows how a woman wants to demonstrate animal testing on a human.
So, what is your view on this? Are we righteous in our efforts to minimize harmful effects of certain products by using animals or are we unfairly putting ourselves at the top of the animal kingdom?
