Genetic testing
on animals is done to find cures for various diseases.
The genetic testing of animals can spark great debate between those who are for and against the practice. While supporters of genetic testing argue that using animals as subjects for genetic testing is necessary for the advancement of medical research, those opposed argue that the practice is unnecessary and unproductive.
Pain and Suffering
One of the biggest arguments against genetic animal testing is the potential for pain and suffering inflicted upon the animals. While advocates of testing state that all testing performed on the animals uses the safest and most humane and pain free methods possible, animal rights advocates argue that there is no way to guarantee that animals are not in pain during the testing procedures and that the animal will not suffer long term side effects as a result of botched or long term testing.
Risk of Death
Another argument against genetic animal testing is the risk of death to the animal during or as a result of the testing process. Because some genetic animal testing requires that the animal be sedated, complications sometimes arise, resulting in the death of the animal from testing gone wrong. In addition to the risk of accidental death, according to an article published by About Animal Testing, some animals are euthanized immediately following testing procedures because the tests may cause extreme discomfort to the animal once the testing is over.
Effectiveness of Testing
One of the most controversial issues regarding genetic testing on animals is its benefit to humans. Advocates say the practice is necessary to test the effectiveness of medications that treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. However, animal rights advocates claim that there is no clear and convincing evidence that the results obtained through testing on animals is the equivalent of results that may be obtained in humans. As a result, they contend that unless proof of the benefits can be shown, testing of animals must be stopped.
Tags: testing animals, genetic testing, animal testing, argue that, genetic animal, genetic animal testing
