Theos-Talk Archives (March 1997 Message tl00184)

In message <199703230343.UAA14423@snowden.micron.net>,
kymsmith@micron.net writes
>I disagree that the use of animals is medical experiments is ethical.  There
>is no such being as a "laboratory animal."  There are only animals being
>used in laboratories.

Very true - making such a distinction perhaps helps those who experiment
on animals justify unethical behavior.

>  I do not believe animals were made for this purpose -
>and there is less and less excuse for using them as we advance in technology.

I have heard that in many cases the alleged comparison between a disease
produced in laboratory animls and the same or similar disease in humans
does not hold, and that using animals for experiments in some areas is a
complete waste of time, causing unnecessary pain to the ctreatures
concerned.  Note that I said 'in many cases' not 'all cases' - I don't
have enough info. Maybe someone with experience can advise.
>
>I am concerned that animals "made to specification" will bring false
>readings to results of experiments - there is already ample difference in
>animal and human responses to the same chemicals.

There could also be a vested interest by drug companies in producing
'test' animals which could be engineered to support the findings the
drug company wanted to see ...

>  I am also concerned that
>the pain factor of animals will be increased, as they will be seen even more
>so as "manufactured" objects.  I am also concerned that people will draw a
>distinction between cloned animals and naturally conceived animals.

Me too.

Alan
---------
THEOSOPHY INTERNATIONAL: Working for a New Age:
http://www.nellie2.demon.co.uk/
E-mail: TI@nellie2.demon.co.uk