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Exploring Alternatives to Vivisection
 Exploring
Alternatives to Vivisection
by Angela Grimes, Director of Operations
You have seen photos of the many Primates
at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR) who have been
rescued from research laboratories. I think we all agree that
their existence in these facilities is inhumane and unfair.
They are confined in small cages where they cannot climb,
stretch, or move like their bodies and wills desire. Furthermore,
they are subjected to year after year of a battery of painful
and cruel tests. Many people I meet agree that this is a terrible
life, but I am often asked, "What is the alternative?"
by those who see Animal testing as a necessary evil. While
attuned to the cruelties committed on Primates, Rabbits, Mice,
and Puppies in the name of medical advancement, many are not
aware of the humane and ethical alternatives. There are alternatives.
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New products can be formulated using
individual ingredients that were previously tested.
While this does not undo the former testing done on
Animals, it does eliminate the need for further testing
as manufacturers develop new product lines. |
| • |
Cultures of human skin
cells taken by permission during surgical procedures
can be grown in test tubes and layered to resemble the
structure of human skin. This technique can also be
used to mimic the human cornea. These cultures can be
used for the testing of cosmetics and household products,
rather than the cruel eye irritancy test performed on
Rabbits. |
| • |
Common bacteria and microbes such
as salmonella can be used to assess cancer risk by determining
chemical effects on DNA. |
| • |
Microdosing involves human volunteer
subjects where a miniscule amount of a test substance
is administered to track how the substances move through
the human body. Clinical patch tests on human volunteers
can determine if a chemical will be irritating. |
| • |
Technological advancements also play
a part in Animal testing alternatives. Diagnostics such
as MRIs and CT scans help doctors understand the progression
of diseases in living, human subjects. Computer generated
laboratory situations and software programs can measure
toxins and carcinogens and monitor mutations. |
 But
won't Animal testing give results more closely resembling
those found in humans? Not necessarily. Because of the physiological
difference between a human and a Beagle Puppy, animal tests
often give misleading results with regard to human health.
The effects of an experimental drug in a Dog cannot always
be extrapolated to its effect on a human. Did you know that
the Nobel Prize-winning study on polio was one that was done
without Animal testing?
To find products that have not been tested
on Animals, look for phrases such as vegan, cruelty-free,
or not tested on Animals when you are shopping. You will find
that many of your common personal and household products can
be replaced by Animal-friendly alternatives. You won't know
the difference. But the Animals certainly will.
It is also important to reflect on exactly
how we view non-human Animals. Do we see them as simple beings
who are on this planet for no reason other than to serve us?
Do we see them as items of entertainment, food, clothing,
resources? Perhaps if we begin to view them as the sentient,
intelligent, emotional, and spiritual beings they are, we
will no longer see their role on this earth as one dedicated
simply to serving humans. Instead we will see them as fellow
beings who share this small, but complex planet.
For more information on Animal Testing &
Research, please visit our new Advocacy
section.
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