The current regulations and restrictions in the U.S. are a solid foundation in creating increased moral consideration for animals, however they are still insufficient. The only federal law in the U.S. is the Animal Welfare act. It’s fundamental goal is to eliminate the pain and distress of the animals used as much as possible. Some of the guidelines laid out in this Act include the housing, feeding, cleanliness, exercise, ventilation, and medical needs of the animals. However, the AWA does not cover the protection of birds, fish, mice, or rats bred for experimentation purposes. These species make up around 95% of the animals used in research (Procon.org). This needs to be amended to include all animals. Who decided that these species are even
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It can be difficult to understand each other’s views, but remaining respectful and open-minded is how we advance in society. Stephanie Liou writes in her article titled “Animal Research: The Ethics of Animal Experimentation,” that it is argued that “animals cannot be considered morally equal to humans.” These thought processes refer to the idea of the moral hierarchy in which us humans have placed ourselves at the very top. We claim to be the superior species among this earth. Many people believe animals don’t deserve any rights because they don’t have the same cognitive ability as humans. This stems from the ideas of Aristotle. Even though they do not possess all the human-like qualities, that doesn’t mean they deserve no rights or moral consideration whatsoever. The idea that humans live on top of the moral hierarchy comes from that exact idea laid out in the Bible. After all, in the Bible, God said “let them [human beings] have dominion over the fish in the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). Interestingly enough, the Bible also says “a righteous man regards the life of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10). It seems as though God has placed man above the other creatures he has created on …show more content…
Due to the many medical and scientific discoveries, and the many lives saved with the help of animal research, it doesn’t need to end all together. There should however be a stronger use of the 3Rs principle, reduction, refinement, and replacement. Although the use of animals in experimentation is not fully ethically or morally correct, the perquisite for both humans and animals is too high. The limits on animal testing could be reconsidered, this can include the species of animals used, the number of animals, and the specific procedures and treatment the animals go through. To help end and not promote the unnecessary deaths of animals as a society we need to start buying and producing cruelty free products. This includes food, clothes, and especially cosmetics. Cruelty free charities can always use more help, donations, and volunteers. We should also make it more socially acceptable to donate our own bodies to science. Animals can enjoy life, and they help us enjoy life. We share the earth with many distinct species; we are not the only ones here and surely not the only ones who deserve to live enhanced lives. Animal testing can be good, and it can be bad. Evaluating our reasons behind experimentation is the first step. Using animal research in the medical and scientific field has helped us gain a great deal
It can be difficult to understand each other’s views, but remaining respectful and open-minded is how we advance in society. Stephanie Liou writes in her article titled “Animal Research: The Ethics of Animal Experimentation,” that it is argued that “animals cannot be considered morally equal to humans.” These thought processes refer to the idea of the moral hierarchy in which us humans have placed ourselves at the very top. We claim to be the superior species among this earth. Many people believe animals don’t deserve any rights because they don’t have the same cognitive ability as humans. This stems from the ideas of Aristotle. Even though they do not possess all the human-like qualities, that doesn’t mean they deserve no rights or moral consideration whatsoever. The idea that humans live on top of the moral hierarchy comes from that exact idea laid out in the Bible. After all, in the Bible, God said “let them [human beings] have dominion over the fish in the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). Interestingly enough, the Bible also says “a righteous man regards the life of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10). It seems as though God has placed man above the other creatures he has created on …show more content…
Due to the many medical and scientific discoveries, and the many lives saved with the help of animal research, it doesn’t need to end all together. There should however be a stronger use of the 3Rs principle, reduction, refinement, and replacement. Although the use of animals in experimentation is not fully ethically or morally correct, the perquisite for both humans and animals is too high. The limits on animal testing could be reconsidered, this can include the species of animals used, the number of animals, and the specific procedures and treatment the animals go through. To help end and not promote the unnecessary deaths of animals as a society we need to start buying and producing cruelty free products. This includes food, clothes, and especially cosmetics. Cruelty free charities can always use more help, donations, and volunteers. We should also make it more socially acceptable to donate our own bodies to science. Animals can enjoy life, and they help us enjoy life. We share the earth with many distinct species; we are not the only ones here and surely not the only ones who deserve to live enhanced lives. Animal testing can be good, and it can be bad. Evaluating our reasons behind experimentation is the first step. Using animal research in the medical and scientific field has helped us gain a great deal