Community | July 22, 2008 | 3 comments

Animal research experiments on the rise

source: http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSL2189393020080721?feedType=RSS&feedName=lif...

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JanaPokana
Animals were used in a little more than 3.2 million medical experiments in Britain in 2007, a six percent rise from the previous year, the government said on Monday. The increase was the sixth consecutive annual rise, according to figures released by Britain's Home Office.

Most of the animals used in the experiments were mice, rats and other rodents. Less than one percent included dogs, cats, horses or non-human primates, the government said.

The rise was due mainly to breeding genetically modified animals -- mostly mice and fish. By turning off or inserting genes in animals scientists hope to improve understanding of human diseases and to develop new treatments. Drug companies say animals are a vital part of the research and development of new medicines and vaccines.

Animal rights groups who have fought a campaign against the experiments say the figures mark a 16-year high.

(Reuters)
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3 comments // Animal research experiments on the rise

  • JanaPokana
    • 0
      JanaPokana  
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    • This is a link to Jane Goodall's website. I think her views on non-human animal research are quite interesting as her opinion is informed, intelligent and balanced.

    • 3 years ago
  • Mr_T
    • 0
      Mr_T  

    • PLEASE NOTE - may or may not be my opinions, don't get personal, just wanna put out some counter arguments

      what are the other options? testing on orphan babies? testing on convicts? testing on the mentally handicapped? this is what some people have tried in the past (ie. nazi's)

      although an animal's life is important, if we never had tested on animals and some revolutionary medicine is never developed and then your child, boy/girlfriend, parents, sibling, best friend dies and could have been saved would you not, if you could, change your mind?

    • 3 years ago
  • JanaPokana
    • 0
      JanaPokana  
    • Mr_T:

      On the one hand, I think it is quite difficult to justify animal testing philosophically, because in some cases it is impossible to draw the line between animals and humans and it is therefore hard to explain why we would submit a chimpanzee to a certain kind of treatment but would never dream of doing the same with - or to - a human. Some countries including the UK but excluding the US have responded to this problem by introducing a great ape research ban.

      On the other hand, pragmatically speaking, I think it is unrealistic to stop all animal testing. Instead, it is crucial to ensure that animals are only used for research that is of primary significance, that they are not submitted to unnecessary procedures, that the procedures they have to endure are carried out in the most 'humane' way possible and that the animals are kept in decent conditions.

    • 3 years ago
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