Animal experimentation

Experiments in which nonhuman animals (vivisection) is one of the most hidden,

discussed and controversial phases of science and industry are used. Because not only
the medical, physical and biological sciences make use of nonhuman animals in
laboratories, but also the military, the arms industry, cosmetic industry, snuff industry and
chemical industry in general.
It is from the XVI century that animals are used as "guinea pigs" (pun applied the term) to
know the mysteries of the body, blood circulation, the physiological conformation, but also
the effects of drugs, poisons, substances and safety of scientific and industrial procedures.
Primates, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, pigs and other animals are
slaughtered in the name of science and technology, at the rate of three animals die every
second in laboratories worldwide. (animanaturalis.org)
Animal research has allowed ways to cure disease and prolong human life are discovered.
Animal testing has contributed to the development of vaccines, development of
transplants, blood transfusions, dialysis, surgical techniques and testing of drugs, among
many others.
In medicine, animals are used to test drugs before being tested in humans. For this, the
animals are sickened to see the effects of a drug. While some people see the practice as
inhumane involves fewer ethical problems that test new drugs in humans, which can even
cause death to volunteer. (Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 2008)
The three Rs refer to replace, reduce and refine.
Replacement alternatives refer to methods that avoid or replace the use of animals. This
includes both absolute replacements (replace animal by computer modeling), as
replacements relative (replace vertebrates, animals with less pain perception, as some
invertebrates).
Reduction alternatives refer to any strategy that results using fewer animals to obtain
sufficient data to answer the research question, or maximizing the information obtained per
animal, thus potentially limiting or avoiding the subsequent use of other animals, without
compromising animal welfare.

Refinement alternatives refer to the modification of animal husbandry or procedures to

minimize pain and distress, and to improve the welfare of animals used in science from
birth until death. (Green Facts based on the Canadian Council on Animal Care)
In conclusion we can say that animal experimentation is justifiable given the benefits it will
bring such an experiment. It is necessary, because otherwise you would have to
experiment on humans. But it should be carried out humanely and with respect for the life
of the living being, that an involuntary sacrifice, helped improve and extend the quality of
life of people.