Honouring the animals
Sometimes my mind wanders in random directions. I wonder if there is anyone who is being held against their will right now, somewhere in the world? I wonder if someone is dying right now, being born right now? I guess the probable answer to those questions is “yes”.
I try not to dwell on things that I can’t do anything about directly but there have been many times when I have spared a thought for the animals that are tested upon in laboratories so that we may benefit from advances in medicine and further our knowledge.
Worldwide estimates on the number of vertebrate animals used in science—from mice to nonhuman primates—range from the tens of millions to more than 100 million annually. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that over 25 million animals are used each year in scientific research, testing, and education. Animals used include cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, fish, pigs, sheep, monkeys, chimpanzees, and more.
There is, however, hope for the future as federal agencies and scientists begin to more openly recognize and accept that solutions to cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, and other human health problems lie, not in animal-based methods, but in directly applicable human-based studies—science without vivisection, science NEAVS supports. Recognition of the inadequacy of animal toxicity testing has resulted in the development of better techniques that are able to produce comparable toxicity values of chemicals applicable to humans. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency and the NIH are currently evaluating new technologies in molecular, cellular, and computational sciences to supplement or replace more traditional methods of toxicity testing—new technologies that are producing safer, more complete, and more relevant data for humans.
The atrocities that these animals must be subjected to don’t bear thinking about. I wanted to send out a blog post in honour of these bright little innocent souls that give up so much for our benefit. Humane science is superior science. Ethical research benefits not only animals, but humans too.
Mandy X
Resources:
https://www.neavs.org/about/mission (New England Anti-Vivisection Society)
https://www.navs.org.uk/home/ National Anti-Vivisection Society
https://www.buav.org/ British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
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Sources:
https://www.neavs.org/alternatives/overview
Photo by shannonpatrick17 
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
