The world is now at a stage of advancing technologies in all spheres of its development. Despite this progress, some things still have not changed, and a part of the methods applied in medical research seem barbaric and outdated. They are the methods of experimental studies performed on animals. The specialists engaged in such kind of experimentation defend their approaches claiming that they are beneficial for humanity. However, more and more facts are revealed proving that exploiting animals for experiments are not justified, as it does not bring the expected results.
First of all, such experiments are not ethical. Animals are kept in conditions far from being comfortable. They live in small closed cages, they are often deprived of light, and they undergo severe and sometimes even cruel procedures. In some cases, the animals are not given any painkillers because their application may alter the effect of the medication which is investigated. Most importantly, the animals are never asked whether they want to take part in such studies.
Another problem is that even if the researchers manage to find treatment for some diseases in animals, it does not guarantee that this cure will be suitable for people. While the scientists claim that the animals’ and the peoples’ systems are very similar, it is not entirely correct. Thus, wasting time and putting animals’ welfare in danger is often not justified, as it does not bring the desired effects for humans.
Next, research performed on animals is rather costly. A lot of money is needed for their food, housing, and care, let alone the fact that some animals need to be bought, too. Laboratories do not always have sufficient funds, and part of their support comes from taxes. Therefore, every person involuntarily supports animal-based research without even knowing it. This fact contradicts not only the animals’ rights but also the people’s interests.
Finally, even if the experimentation with medical purposes can be somehow justified, many studies are performed on animals with the aim of cosmetic testing. This part of the study is particularly vicious since it does not bring any benefits for the animals. Cosmetic experimentation is probably most opposed by animal rights defenders. If research to find the cure for serious diseases can be understood at least to some extent, people taking advantage of poor creatures with cosmetic purposes cannot.
Despite the obvious limitations of laboratory experiments on animals, they have one benefit. They make it possible to find new treatment solutions. There have been many positive outcomes of laboratory research both for the people’s and animals’ welfare. Several pharmaceutical products have been discovered due to animal testing. However, taking into consideration the numerous sufferings and the percentage of failed attempts, it seems that such procedures are not justified.
Laboratory experiments on animals have proved to be harsh, painful, and frequently unreliable. While animal testing has its advantages, the disadvantages outnumber them. Therefore, the researchers should consider refusing from exploiting animals in their work. With the advancement in research medicine, specialists should come up with new approaches to laboratory studies. New methods should not involve the helpless creatures who cannot protest against being a part of an experiment. Just because the animals cannot speak does not mean that they should have no right to choose.