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?
I am in complete shock after viewing the video! I am glad that a human went ahead and showed these people what animals have to go through every day. I believe that animal testing is okay in the medical industry in order to find cures for cancer and other illnesses, but it is not okay for poor, defenseless animals to be used in the cosmetic industry. Using cosmetics should be at the risk of the consumer, an animal should not have to die just because we want to smell good or be covered in make-up that isn't needed.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I agree with much of what you have to say. It is true that animals have no say in whether they are tested on or not. However, at the same time I have to argue that animal testing is a necessary evil for the betterment of humanity. Some of these animals are given chemicals to test for safety and they often have adverse effects. I feel it is better to test these things on animals though than humans, even if they are consenting subjects. It is simply ethically wrong to use humans as guinea pigs.
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