Arguments Against Animal Testing

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Beginning circa 500 BCE, animals have been used countless times throughout history as test subjects for biomedical research. Animals testing refers to the procedures carried out on living animals with the purpose to expand biological understanding. Presently, the majority of animal testing is utilized to verify the toxicity and safety of products that are destined for human use, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. A wide range of animals are used in experimentation, such as Dogs, Cats, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Pigs, Sheep, Monkeys and Rabbits. Currently, the United States allows animal testing and is one of the two countries in the world that allow testing on Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. Animal testing is absolutely unnecessary …show more content…
Therefore, they cannot give consent and are forced to participate in many experiments and tests. Humane Society International states that animals, in testing, undergo "forced chemical exposure, forced feeding, prolonged periods of physical restraint, inflictions of wounds and burns and food or water deprivation". These conditions cause animals to experience an immeasurable amount of physical pain and suffering while scientists merely observe and record their behavior. A plethora of defenseless animals have to involuntarily endure these reprehensible actions and inhumane treatment. Although homo sapiens are considered the dominant species, we are in no way justified to carry out this unethical behavior on innocent beings. Furthermore, animals experience psychological trauma. Due to the requirement of independent variables in all scientific procedures, many animals are put in barren holdings and are socially isolated. Consequently, mental distress develops which can cause major health complications, endangering their overall health. Also, these animals do not see others of their species. They are deprived of the things that are natural and important to them, safety, comfort and companionship. Animal testing is abominable as all suffering is undesirable and no being deserves to endure these unprecedented amounts of agony when alternatives are