Animal Dissection – Top 3 Pros and Cons

Dissecting a frog might be one of the most memorable school experiences for many students, whether
they are enthusiastic participants, prefer lab time to lectures, or are conscientious objectors to
dissection.

The use of animal dissection in education goes back as far as the 1500s when Belgian doctor Andreas
Vesalius used the practice as an instructional method for his medical students. [1]

Animal dissections became part of American K-12 school curricula in the 1920s. About 75-80% of
North American students will dissect an animal by the time they graduate high school. An estimated six
to 12 million animals are dissected in American schools each year. In at least 21 states and DC, K-12
students have the legal option to request an alternate assignment to animal dissection. [2] [3] [27]

While frogs are the most common animal for K-12 students to dissect, students also encounter
fetal pigs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, minks, birds, turtles, snakes, crayfish, perch, starfish, and
earthworms, as well as grasshoppers and other insects. Sometimes students dissect parts of animals
such as sheep lungs, cows’ eyes, and bull testicles.

Are animal dissections in K-12 schools crucial learning opportunities that encourage science careers and make
good use of dead animals? Or are animal dissections unnecessary experiments that promote environmental
damage when ethical alternatives exist?
Pro 1 Con 1
Dissecting a real animal provides students with more Methods used to supply animals for dissections are
learning opportunities. bad for the environment and inhumane.

A 2022 study found 83% of teachers surveyed in
Switzerland agreed that “dissection is a valuable part of
teaching biology in schools,” while 70% disagreed that
“alternatives are just as good as animals or animal parts
for teaching biology.” [36]
Dissecting an animal offers education in fine motor
skills, hand-eye coordination, and handling sharp objects
carefully. Hands-on learning keeps students more
engaged, which facilitates assimilation of information.
The American Psychological Association adds that
animal dissection “engenders creativity, original
thought, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”
[5] [6]
Using a real animal also helps to instruct students on the
ethics of using animals in research. Teachers can explain
how the animals were sourced, demonstrate proper
treatment of dead animals, and imbue a respect for life
among students.
An estimated 99% of animals used in dissections are
caught in the wild, a practice that may decrease local
populations, lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem,
and reduce biodiversity. [13] [14]
Fetal pigs used in schools are sourced from the meat
industry and grown in horrific conditions. Animalearn,
the educational arm of the American Anti-Vivisection
Society, said, “they are deprived of space, fresh air,
and fresh forage for the duration of their shortened
lives… The fetuses that end up in the dissection tray
are taken from pregnant sows at the slaughterhouse.”
[11]
Animals sold to schools for dissection may have died
by suffocation, electrocution, drowning, or euthanasia.
Cats and dogs used for dissection are sourced from
shelters that unnecessarily euthanize the animals
instead of adopting them out to families.
Pro 2
Dissection can encourage students to pursue careers
in science.
Vicki Besack, a high school science teacher in Florida, said,
“Dissection … is an amazing hands-on experience,” adding
that it “has the power to cause a student to change how they
think about science and possibly what they may pursue as a
career. It gives them that ‘aha’ moment.” [7]
Teachers report that students gain invaluable hands-on
science experience from dissection, including putting on
lab coats and gloves, handling scalpels, and looking at
samples under microscopes. The entire process can
spark inspiration and excitement. [8]
Julianna Music, a former high school student, argued in
favor of dissection in the classroom by stating, “Biology
is the study of life, and dissection is crucial for the
understanding of life; it is a hands-on way to learn and
paves a pathway for students with dreams of careers in
that field…. [I]t lays the foundation for possible
discoveries in animal diseases and prepares young
people to become future veterinarians.” One of Music’s
classmates developed a desire to become an optometrist
after dissecting a sheep eye in school.
Pro 3
Animal dissection is a productive and worthwhile use
for dead animals.
A large portion of dissected animals were already dead
before being allocated for dissection. Having students
dissect the animals allows for a learning opportunity
instead of just wasting the animal.
Bio Corp, a biological supply company, reported that
more than 98% of the animals they received were
already dead. Bill Wadd, Co-Owner of Bio Corp, stated,
“We just take what people would throw away. Instead of
throwing it in the trash, why not have students learn
from it?” [10]
Most animals used in classroom dissections are
purchased from biological supply companies. Some
animals, such as cats, are sourced from shelters that have
already euthanized the animals. However, cats and dogs
account for fewer than 1% of lab animals. Fetal pigs are
byproducts of the meat industry that would have
otherwise been sent to a landfill.
https://www.procon.org/headlines/top-3-pros-and-cons-of-animal-dissection/
Con 2
Medical studies do not require or benefit from
animal dissection.
Animal dissection is not required by the College Board for
AP Biology, the International Baccalaureate for IB Biology,
or the Next Generation Science Standards. The inclusion of
dissection units actually dissuades some students from
taking elective science classes. [7] [15]
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
says that “Animal dissection is not required for
students to learn about and be engaged in science.”
The group found that no medical schools in the US or
Canada use animals to train new physicians; revered
medical programs at schools such as Stanford, Yale,
Harvard, and the Mayo Clinic all use alternatives to
animals.
Nedim C. Buyukmihci, Professor of Ophthalmology at
the Veterinary Medicine School of the University of
California at Davis, stated, “As one who did not
dissect in high school, and who now is a veterinarian
and trains doctors-to-be, I can unequivocally state that
the experience of dissection is totally unnecessary for
the biologically minded precollege student.”
Con 3
Dissecting real animals is unnecessary since
alternatives exist.
Synthetic frogs made by SynDaver have the same visual
and textural qualities as a dead female frog: skeletons with
muscles, skin, and organs, including a reproductive system
with eggs. The models can be reused year-after-year and
don’t need toxic formaldehyde for preservation. Students
can use the model multiple times to gain a deeper
understanding of the animal’s anatomy. [20] [21]
Technological advances have led to computer programs
that can simulate the dissection of frogs, squid, fetal pigs,
starfish, and cow eyes. [22]
According to a meta-review by the Humane Society,
students learn just as well or better when models and
computer simulations are substituted for dead animals.
[22] [23]
Models and simulations also eliminate the “gross-out
factor” of smelly, slimy real dead frogs, allowing
students to focus on the learning activity rather than
nausea.
 Dissection Is Dangerous, Unethical, and Unnecessary: Here's Why

Animal dissection is an archaic technique designed to explore anatomy—it’s from a time when humans knew
very little about the insides of animals. Scientific discoveries advance our knowledge of the functioning of the
natural world, but the practice of dissecting millions of animals every year hasn’t changed in a century.
Advances in technology and an increasingly progressive understanding of animal sentience have exposed
animal dissection as obsolete, dangerous, and unethical.

There’s no educational value in making students cut into animals’ corpses, but the many benefits of humane,
non-animal instruction—such as digital dissection—are well documented. Dozens of peer-reviewed studies
show that dissecting animals is bad science, whereas when students use modern methods, they learn faster
and are able to repeat material until they’re proficient. Studies also show that students prefer using humane
alternatives such as interactive simulations and anatomical models. Dissecting animals has been shown to
dissuade some students—especially females—from entering science-related fields, and some are
uncomfortable speaking up because of fears of potential ostracism from peers or teachers. A growing majority
of young people are opposed to animal experimentation and dissection in educational settings. Many states
have recognized students’ right to reject these lessons in cruelty by implementing dissection-choice laws and
policies.

Having children cut an animal open—a misguided but sometimes sanctioned classroom activity—
teaches them that living beings are disposable and downplays the fact that they were once alive and, in
most cases, killed exclusively for these exercises. This is a very harmful lesson, especially considering
the increase that we’re currently seeing in incidents of cruelty to animals perpetrated by juveniles
and an epidemic of school bullying.

In addition to the dangers of desensitizing students to the suffering of living beings, animal dissection
often exposes them to harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and formalin. Formaldehyde is used
as a preservative and is also found in cigarette smoke—it’s classified as a human carcinogen, and
repeated exposure to low levels may cause respiratory difficulty, eczema, and skin sensitization.

There's a Better Way: Modern Technology Exists to Replace Animal

Dissection

Educators at all levels are increasingly choosing humane options to meet their students’ needs. These
modern teaching methods—including interactive computer simulations and digital dissection apps—
save animals’ lives, are suited to all students, cost less and are more effective than animal dissection,
and can be used in remote learning.

Methods such as narrated software programs with physiology animations or clearly labeled anatomical models
allow students to learn more efficiently, without being distracted by the shock of cutting up dead animals and
the struggle to distinguish discolored body parts. Unlike animal dissection, in which each body system is
ablated and displaced and must be discarded at the end of the lesson, digital dissection allows the systems to
be studied and virtually dissected repeatedly until students feel confident with the material.

Here are a few digital dissection programs that are effective and highly
interactive:

• Expandable Mind Software is a web-based suite of simulated dissections and physiology experiments that
are highly interactive and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Modules are available for
purchase individually and include studies of Mendelian genetics and the anatomies of 10 different animals,
 including frogs, three types of fish, several invertebrate species, fetal pigs, and cats. Mini labs include
various physiological simulations, such as respiratory rate, muscle contractions, and the effects of drugs on
heart rate. The software may be accessed on any device with an internet connection.

Expandable Mind Software

• Merge Labs, Inc., allows students to hold and interact with virtual objects—like human organs and
frogs—for a safe, fun, kid-friendly experience. Paired with apps like Anatomy AR+ and Mr.
Body, Merge Cubes come to life with high-quality virtual and augmented reality exploration of
complex anatomical features. With Merge Explorer, students can virtually dissect a frog in 3-D.
• Digital Frog is a downloadable program that integrates comparative anatomy, frog dissection, and
ecology. Students are able to review each body system with high-quality animations and digital
dissection. In addition, Digital Frog offers a field trip series that includes unique desert, wetland,
and rainforest instruction.
• Cogent Education boasts a suite of interactive case studies for biology, providing captivating
scenarios that effectively engage students in their learning. Students play the role of a professional
scientist tasked with solving a real-world problem. The modules cover topics such as homeostasis
and action potential and are recommended for both beginning and advanced students. Shifting the
focus from anatomy, the cases encourage students to view the organism as a whole while
explaining detailed physiological processes in a unique and engaging way.

How Teachers Can Help End Dissection

Rather than defaulting to crude and archaic animal dissection, educators are (and should be) seeking
creative and inspired ways to teach biology in the modern era. Teachers are in a unique position to
effect change both in their own classroom and throughout their school. Meeting curricular goals
without harming animals is a win-win situation for students, teachers, and schools. Since many teachers
and schools are going digital and offering remote learning options, there’s no better time than now to
switch to efficacious and cruelty-free digital dissection software and apps.

Because medical schools in the U.S. no longer use animals to teach students and incoming students
aren’t expected or required to have experience with dissection, using humane alternatives will better
prepare those entering medical school. And of course, there is no shortage of images and videos posted
on social media of students misbehaving with and disrespecting animal cadavers. Replacing all animal
labs in the classroom is a great way to avoid these callous displays.

Here are some ways teachers can help animals:

• Pledge not to use animals in your classroom. Share information with your students and fellow staff
members about your decision to use humane alternatives.
• If your school is using animals as teaching “tools,” voice your objections. If you’re comfortable doing so,
write a letter to or have an open conversation with the staff members involved. Explain the cruelty
inherent in dissecting and experimenting on animals, the many risks involved, and the harmful message
that using animals in the classroom sends to students.
• You can even write a letter to your principal and school board asking them to implement a policy banning
animal projects in the district. Be sure to include all the pertinent information, and feel free to contact us if
you need any assistance.

https://headlines.peta.org/teachkind-dissection-feature/