Animal Testing Position Paper

Ever since The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in England in 1824 was formed, there have been long running debates on the topic of animal rights. The first societies were formed to protect and maintain human treatment of work animals, such as cattle, horses and house hold pets. Towards the end of the 19th century more organizations were formed, this time to protest the use of animals in scientific experimentation. In today's society groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have continued these traditional fights as well as adding new agendas. These new agendas include hunting, fishing, and dissection of animals in science classes.

The rights of animals have always been important to me during my life. This is due to the fact that I have had pets for as long as I remember. On this topic I feel as though having domesticated animals in the home is fine as long as proper care is taken of them.

Papio anubis (olive or anubis baboon)

English: Cropped from :Image:Gary Francione.jpg.

Released into the public domain by PETA.

As for more controversial issue like animal research and experimentation my views vary. A few years ago I felt that any research or experimentation on animals was inhumane and unjust. However after maturing and becoming more aware of the world, I now feel as though there are definite 'goods' that come from animal research that can not come from doing tests on humans. This view is by no means one sided. I also feel that there are some things being done to animals that just should not happen, such as the testing of cosmetics. In other areas of animal rights like dissection in the classroom I think that as long as the animals died naturally it is fine to use them to further a student's education along with human cadavers. Of course, I hope that...