Evaluate the use of animals in research (Essay Sample)

Evaluate the use of animals in research
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(2nd October, 2013)

Abstract
For a long time now, scientists have been using animals in research, testing and teaching. This has however generated a lot of heated debate on what is termed as the “moral value” of humans and animals. There exists a wide range of differences between those who advocate for the rights of animals and those who view animals as resources that can be used in any meaningful way. These differences have led to the development of ethical principles guiding the use of animals in research (Fox 1986).
Key words: Research on animals
Evaluation of the use of animals in research
Scientific research especially on medicine has largely depended on the use of animals in order to develop medicine for human use. But as much as these kinds of researches benefit humans, a number of animal rights are defied.
Today a number of legislations have been put up by institutions such as the USDA in order to look into the rights of animals. Recommendations have been made that all living animals to be used in research, teaching or testing must be reviewed by a committee (the IACUC) with diverse membership (Yarri 2005). The need to reduce the overall use of animals has also been emphasized. Proposals have been made that animals should only be used when there is a need to learn new information or for teaching new skills and concepts which cannot be done using other means. Researchers have also been urged to ensure that animals’ use in research, is done or performed in as humane manner as possible (Yarri 2005). They should ensure that they reduce the pain that can be felt by an animal, distress or discomfort. These provisions require that such institutions should have a veterinary that can look after the needs and the rights of the animals in a professional manner.
Case against animal research
The activists of animal rights strongly propose that animals have equal moral status just as humans and thus they should be treated with respect. According to them, human beings should not have a right to kill animals, force them into their own service or just view them as resources that should be exploited to satisfy their need (Watson 2009). They should be accorded the same level of respect accorded to each human. (Watson 2009) The main argument about this is that animals too feel pain, discomfort and at the same time they have the ability to experience pleasure just as humans. Thus they deserve the same moral status and equal treatment.
Case for animal research
Those who defend the use of animals in research always argue that animals will never be morally equal to human beings.(Fox 1986) Their main argument is that the benefits to humans, derived from the experiments conducted on animals always outweigh the damage done to them. Since animals lack the cognitive capabilities of humans and they seem to lack full autonomy there is no way they can be included in the moral community. And if they cannot be included in the moral community, human obligation towards them is limited. Thus there is no need to grant animals all the benefits enjoyed by human beings. This then gives the researchers the permission to continue using animals in research (Watson 2009).
The following principles were developed in order to help reduce the use of animals in research:
Replacement: it suggests that researchers’ should find an alternative through the use of inanimate system e.g. Computer models or programs. Or they can replace sentient animals with less sentient animals. This principle also suggests that cells and tissues from animals can also be of good use.
Reduction: researchers should limit the number of animals used previously which led to no loss of important information. To achieve this, the number of variables can be minimized through proper experimental designs or by the use of genetically homogenous animals.
Refinement: a chan...