Why Animal Testing Should Be Banned - Essay Sample
Animal testing is a controversial topic, particularly amongst animal rights activists. Typically, it is used to test pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other products that may be used on or by humans. Scientists tend to use animal testing when there is a possibility that the substances used in the materials could cause harm to the person using them.
With that being said, there are a number of reasons why animal testing should be banned. Of these, the most often cited is the fact that animal testing doesn’t conclusively prove that a substance, when used by or on a human, will be either safe or dangerous. Experts estimate that more than ninety percent of the tests that prove safe on animals end up actually being dangerous when applied to people.
Ethical Reasons for Why Animal Testing Should Be Banned
While no sane person would disagree that it’s better to test a chemical with unknown effects on a person instead of an animal, animal testing is rarely performed with the comfort of the test subjects in mind. For instance, many small rodents used for tests are forced to live in crammed conditions, typically in spaces no larger than a shoebox. Larger animals are often contained to small cages with no opportunity to stretch their legs or run free, regardless of the actual experiments being formed.
Additionally, animals are frequently tested for reasons that aren’t related to the safety of human beings. For instance, many experiments revolving around biochemistry involve the administration of pain simply to see what changes take place in the brain. These animals are rarely offered any form of pain relief, and in some cases, may be left to suffer until they eventually die.
Animal Testing Should Be Banned Because of the Lack of Regulation
There is little enforceable regulation when it comes to animal testing. There are certainly laws and ethical guidelines, but they’re generally broad enough that it’s easy for...