The Controversial Issue of Animals Testing

Animals testing or experimentation is the use of animals to undertake scientific research for medical or laboratory work. Worldwide, it is estimated that between 50 to 100 million vertebrates are used for testing annually. However, these statistics do not include the use of invertebrates such as worms and flies as model organisms in such experiments and their use remains largely unregulated. After the animals are used, they are usually euthanized. Where are these animals retrieved from for laboratory work? Some sources include being caught in the wild, purpose-bred or from pounds and auctions.

Most of the animals testing research is usually conducted in medical schools, universities and commercial facilities that have animal testing services.
Experiments can include anything from genetics, behavioral studies to toxicology tests, cosmetics testing and education or defense research. Supporters of animal testing argue that virtually all medical achievements in the last century has largely relied on animals in some way and that the use of computers cannot be used to accurately model interactions between cells, molecules and the environment. On the other hand, critics point to animals testing as a poor and a cruel scientific research that is poorly regulated and its costs outweigh the benefits. They also point to the fact that these experiments cannot predict reliably effects on humans and that animals have an intrinsic right not to be used in such experiments.

Various extents by different countries are under place to regulate animals testing. Developed nations like the United States and other countries have developed regulatory frameworks that act as gatekeepers to determine if the proposed use of animals in experiments is warranted. There are laid down protocols that seek to reduce or replace the use of animals in such experiments and also minimize their suffering. In the United States, under the Animal Welfare Act, every research facility has an obligation of ensuring that other alternatives have been considered and that animals testing is the last most viable option. They are also required to ensure that such experiments are not unnecessarily duplicative and that as long as pain relief does not interfere with the study, it should be administered.

Alternatives to animals testing have been suggested with cell culture being the most successful and promising. Cell cultures can be used to conduct procedures that would involve skin corrosion, skin absorption and phototoxicity studies. Computer simulations that include models of asthma, drug absorption and diabetes are also available as alternatives. These alternatives would thus provide a sigh of relief for scientists as well as animal welfare groups.