Why does this happen?
The British law states that any newly found drugs MUST be tested on at least two live mammals. This must consist of a large non-rodent type animal.
This procedure is to make sure the drug won't harm humans but is it fair that the animal has to test it first? Animal testing has also been used for:
- Household products
- Agricultural chemicals
- Industrial chemicals
- Pesticides
- Paint
- Food additives
In some country's animals are even being used to test beauty products, but this is illegal in Britain.
Does it work?
Well, since animals have different bodies to us and we react to different things the testing the scientists do is not always helpful.
Animal testing has been used to help develop vaccines against diseases like measles, rabies and mumps.
Drugs to fight the effects of HIV and cancer rely on animal tests to find new treatments.
Operations on animals have successfully helped to develop organ transplants and open-heart surgery techniques.
What about the animals?
In the UK laws protect all lab animals from cruelty during testing and all labs are inspected regularly to make sure that the tests are being carried out properly.
However, campaigners against animal testing say these controls have not stopped some scientists from abusing animals.
Do you think this is right? Post your thoughts on this!
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