Animal testing

Animal testing has long been a controversial issue since the rapid development in medical science. Opponents argue that this testing method is morally wrong and therefore should be strictly prohibited, while others are in favor of it due to its enormous benefits to human beings. From my stand, I partially agree with the former and suggest a limited use of this method.

On the one hand, it is obviously against ethical considerations to place experiments on animals and intentionally cause them pain or even death. In particular, a great deal of laboratory mice have been exposed to critical illnesses in order to uncover the efficacy of a new treatment. During this period, they may suffer for other severe damages such as: forced isolation, food and drink deprivation,… As human has no right to mistreat other animals and all creatures deserve equal respect, this kind of experiment has come in for a growing public criticism for its inhumanity.

On the other hand, animal testing proves undeniable benefits to human beings. This method has contributed enormously to numerous live-saving treatments and medical breakthroughs. Due to their shorter lifespan and biological resemblance to human, animals have become the most feasible alternatives to human subjects in clinical trials. With the aid of animals, there is no need for any human sacrifice and the suffering of laboratory mice could be considered reasonable for the sake of human beings. Moreover, as other alternative methods are not always readily available, animal experimentation should be conducted but with limited amount.

As aforementioned, I believe that animal testing should be restricted to some extents. However, not until the other alternatives are fully developed and qualified is animal testing unreasonable.