Animal Research and Accountability

A recent delve into the question of animal research has brought me to a realization. We need both the animal research and those to fight to end it. Here's is why. I am supportive of animal research because of it's undeniable use in finding cures, recording effects of new medications and testing treatments. This is not to say that I would not prefer other options if there were any that would be as successful. Without question I believe it's completely necessary. However, I am sympathetic to the activists who are trying to stop it. I think their heart is in the right place. Thanks to these animal rights groups the animals themselves are having better quality lives. I am relieved to know the that American Psychological Association has constituted guidelines for research involving animals.

Just knowing that the APA has set forth rules stating "painful or harmful procedures imposed must not only be considered justified, but expected outcomes must be clear from the start." This makes me more confident that animals won't be tortured unnecessarily during trial and error experiments where a "mad scientist" is hoping to gain ideas to explore. There are detailed rules about animal care and housing conditions that ensure that the animals are more comfortable and not neglected.

I hope that animal research continues to advance medical findings until such a time comes when another alternative is viable. It is also my hope that animal rights activists continue to crusade the rights of the animals and the responsibilities of the researchers to ensure the proper treatment of the animals. If this sounds contradictory, it is only because I do believe humans by nature need to be held accountable, and without the animal rights activists the researchers would not continuously adhere to treating the animals humanely all of the time. I don't mean the researchers intend to mistreat the animals, I think their desire to succeed and prosper would outweigh the intent to keep the animals well being in sight.