• Question: do you think it is appropriate to use animals in experiments?

    Asked by laylawalker2k12 to Suzanne, Rob on 18 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Suzanne McEndoo

      Suzanne McEndoo answered on 18 Mar 2012:

      This is an important question, and it’s a hard one to answer. I don’t do any animal testing, nor does anyone I know, so I don’t know that much about it. I do think some animal testing is unnecessary, like testing for makeup or cosmetics.

      However, modern medicine wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for experiments involving animals. (This is true for both human and animal medicines.) I know there are a lot of rules and regulations that have to be followed before anyone can do any testing, and before a scientist can start tests they have to get the approval of a special committee and show that the tests aren’t unnecessary and won’t cause any excess harm or distress to the animal.

      Beyond that, I can’t really give you any more information on animal testing, it’s not something I’ve read up on in detail. I’m very glad it’s not something I have to do as part of my research because it’s a very hard issue to deal with.

Comments

  • Photo: abigaillaura

    abigaillaura commented on :

    no i think its horrible and unfair,how would the people that does this like it if they were used as testers? x

  • Photo: Suzanne

    Suzanne commented on :

    Sometimes people are used as testers. But the key difference there is that people can volunteer to be testers so they have a choice. Animals don’t have that choice so it’s not the same ethical question.

    I really appreciate your passion on this issue. I think it’s really important that people think about these issues and learn about them. Then you can vote and campaign for the people who will best represent your views, and make a difference in the world.