by James Johnson

Created on: November 06, 2009

The facts about animal testing are different from the common beliefs. Professional testing isn't done frivolously, the animals are generally very well cared for, there are government controls, the people doing it aren't sadistic, and in most cases it can't be done any other way! Those are the facts, let's examine each one!

Testing on animals isn't done frivolously. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop a product. All animals are not the same and cannot be used for testing the same thing. Medicines for leprosy have to be tested on armadillos and yet for AIDS drugs it is Vervet monkeys, and the animals need to be clean and healthy. These animals are expensive as well as difficult to work with, bacterial plates don't bite, need cleaning, or attack themselves, so researchers will try everything else first. .

It is for the same reason that animals used for testing are usually very well cared for, they need to be in good shape to be proper test animals. The animals receive the best of health care, extremely expensive and well-balanced diets and often get daily exercise. When testing on birds they often get music and such piped in as it relaxes the birds. It is common sense as an animal that is stressed is more likely to have complications and give inaccurate results.

There are government controls on all biological testing! In 1985 there were over 13,000 rules in the Code of Federal Regulations, CFR, and they haven't been reduced. They regulate age of animals, room size, quality of food and even water availability. Researchers can change the standards, but they have to give reasons and sign forms, it isn't easy so isn't often done!

The scientists and researchers doing the testing are not cruel and sadistic, enjoying the mistreatment and torturing of helpless creatures, often just the other way. Most of the research is essential and will not only make life easier for people, but often for the animals. They watch over the animals and often take one home as a pet after the trials are finished. These people are developing new medicines, vaccines or procedures that should be of benefit to everyone, they are caring people.

The products they are developing cannot be tested any other way. If they could, they would be. An animal is a complex interaction of biological, chemical, and even electrical factors. The average brain of a mouse is 100 times more complex than all the computers on the world combined, the body is even more amazing!. You cannnot duplicate animals through computer simulation or substitute a lab test and get adequate information.

The facts about animal testing? It is essential and will be around fora long, long time!

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