Using Animals for Testing: Pros Versus Cons
There are many pros and cons to the practice of animal testing.
Unfortunately, neither seem to fully tip the scale to a side that pleases
everyone – including the general public, government and scientists.
Pros or Postives of Animal Testing
1. Helps researchers to find drugs and treatments:
The major pro for animal testing is that it aids researchers in finding drugs
and treatments to improve health and medicine. Many medical treatments
have been made possible by animal testing, including cancer and HIV
drugs, insulin, antibiotics, vaccines and many more.
2. Improves human health:
It is for this reason that animal testing is considered vital for improving
human health and it is also why the scientific community and many
members of the public support its use. In fact, there are also individuals
who are against animal testing for cosmetics but still support animal testing
for medicine and the development of new drugs for disease.
3. Helps ensure safety of drugs:
Another important aspect to note is that animal testing helps to ensure the
safety of drugs and many other substances humans use or are exposed to
regularly. Drugs in particular can carry significant dangers with their use but
animal testing allows researchers to initially gauge the safety of drugs prior
to commencing trials on humans. This means that human harm is reduced
and human lives are saved – not simply from avoidance of the dangers of
drugs but because the drugs themselves save lives as well as improve the
quality of human life.
4. Alternative methods of testing do not simulate humans in the same
way
Scientists typically use animals for testing purposes because they are
considered similar to humans. As such, researchers do recognise the
limitations and differences but the testing is done on animals because they
are thought to be the closest match and best one with regards to applying
this data to humans.
Cons or Negatives of Animal Testing
1. Animals are killed or kept in captivity:
In animal testing, countless animals are experimented on and then killed
after their use. Others are injured and will still live the remainder of their
lives in captivity.
2. Some substances tested, may never be used for anything useful:
The unfortunate aspect is that many of these animals received tests for
substances that will never actually see approval or public consumption and
use. It is this aspect of animal testing that many view as a major negative
against the practice, as it seems that the animal died in vain because no
direct benefit to humans occurred.
3. It is very expensive:
Another con on the issue of animal testing is the price. Animal testing
generally costs an enormous amount of money, as the animals must be
fed, housed, cared for and treated with drugs or a similar experimental
substance. On top of that, animal testing may occur more than once and
over the course of months, which means that additional costs are incurred.
The price of animals themselves must also be factored into the equation.
There are companies who breed animals specifically for testing and
animals can be purchased through them.
4. Animals and humans are never exactly the same:
There is also the argument that the reaction of a drug in an animal's body is
quite different from the reaction in a human. The main criticism here is that
some believe animal testing is unreliable. Following on that criticism is the
premise that because animals are in an unnatural environment, they will be
under stress. Therefore, they won't react to the drugs in the same way
compared to their potential reaction in a natural environment. This
argument further weakens the validity of animal experimentation.
Advantages and disadvantages of keeping animals in
zoos
Zoos have been around for centuries and continue to be popular tourist
destinations. While many people enjoy visiting zoos, there are also many
who argue that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and inhumane. In this
essay, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of keeping
animals in zoos.
Advantages of Keeping Animals in Zoos
Zoos provide people with a close-up view of animals in their natural
habitats, which can be educational and entertaining. Additionally, zoos help
protect endangered species from extinction. Disadvantages to keeping
animals in zoos include the fact that animals are kept in unnatural
conditions, and some zoo visitors may feel disrespectful or even cruel for
interacting with the animals.
Choosing the Right Zoo
When deciding whether or not to keep animals in a zoo, it is important to
consider the zoo’s philosophy and mission. Some zoos focus on
conservation while others are more focused on entertainment. It is also
important to consider the size and location of the zoo, as well as the quality
of the animals.
Disadvantages of Keeping Animals in Zoos
One of the main disadvantages to keeping animals in zoos is that these
animals are kept isolated from their natural surroundings. Animals in zoos
often experience boredom and lack of stimulation, which can lead to illness
and even death. Furthermore, by separating these animals from the public,
zoos deprive the public of the opportunity to learn more about and
appreciate these species. Additionally, zoos have been criticized for their
involvement in animal trafficking, as they are often a source of new
specimens for exhibitors across the globe.
Conclusion
There are a lot of pros and cons to keeping animals in zoos. Below, we will
discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of zoo keeping.
Advantages:
-Zoo keepers can study animals in their natural habitat and learn about
their behaviours and ecology.
-Animal conservation can be achieved through captive breeding programs,
which is important for endangered species.
-Zoos offer visitors an opportunity to see species that they would not
ordinarily encounter in the wild.
-Some people find amusement or education value in visiting zoos.
Disadvantages:
-Many animal populations have declined significantly in the wild since zoos
were first established, so it is questionable whether preserving them in
captivity is actually helpful.
-The enclosures used by zoos are often not large enough to provide the
animals with adequate space to move around, liberty to interact with one
another, or sufficient food and water supplies. In some cases this has led to
physical injuries or death caused by boredom or stress.
The Ethical Dilemma of Keeping Animals in Zoos
As an animal lover and someone deeply concerned about the well-being of
wildlife, I find the topic of keeping animals in zoos to be both fascinating
and controversial. Throughout history, zoos have served various purposes,
from entertainment and education to conservation and research. However,
the ethical considerations surrounding this practice have sparked intense
debates. In this essay, I will explore the arguments both for and against
keeping animals in zoos, taking into account the diverse perspectives on
this complex issue.
1. Education and Conservation Efforts: One of the primary arguments in
favor of keeping animals in zoos is the educational value they provide.
Zoos offer a unique opportunity for people to observe and learn about
animals they may not encounter in their everyday lives. Through
educational programs and exhibits, zoos play a vital role in raising
awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental issues. They
can inspire a sense of wonder and instill a desire to protect and
preserve our natural world.
2. Animal Welfare and Quality of Life: Opponents argue that zoos
inherently compromise the welfare and quality of life of animals. They
contend that confining animals to limited spaces can lead to physical
and psychological distress, depriving them of their natural behaviors and
social interactions. Many believe that the restrictive environments of
zoos cannot adequately replicate the natural habitats and complex
ecosystems necessary for animals’ well-being. Furthermore, the stress
caused by captivity can lead to behavioral abnormalities and reduced
lifespan for certain species.
3. Conservation and Breeding Programs: Another significant aspect of
modern zoos is their involvement in conservation and breeding
programs. Zoos contribute to the preservation of endangered species
through captive breeding and reintroduction efforts. By maintaining
populations of endangered animals, zoos serve as a potential safety net
against extinction. However, critics argue that the focus on captive
breeding often detracts attention and resources from addressing the
root causes of species endangerment, such as habitat loss and illegal
wildlife trade.
4. Alternatives to Traditional Zoos: Recognizing the concerns raised by
animal welfare advocates, some zoos have transitioned to more ethical
and progressive models. For instance, many facilities have
implemented larger and more naturalistic enclosures, striving to
replicate the animals’ native habitats. Additionally, the concept of
“sanctuaries” has gained traction, offering a more humane approach to
housing rescued and retired animals. These alternatives prioritize
animal welfare while still providing educational opportunities for the
public.
5. Impact on Species Preservation and Research: Zoos often engage in
scientific research that can contribute to our understanding of animal
behavior, physiology, and conservation strategies. By studying captive
populations, researchers can gain insights that may be difficult to obtain
in the wild. However, critics argue that such research does not justify the
inherent captivity of animals, and that technological advancements, such
as non-invasive tracking and observation methods, can provide valuable
data without the need for confining animals in zoos.
Conclusion:
The debate surrounding keeping animals in zoos is far from resolved. While
zoos have made strides in improving animal welfare and focusing on
conservation efforts, ethical concerns persist. It is essential for zoos to
prioritize the well-being of the animals in their care, ensure conservation
efforts align with broader conservation goals, and continuously explore
alternative models that balance education, research, and animal welfare.
As individuals, we must critically assess the purpose and impact of zoos,
encouraging them to evolve and adapt in line with our evolving
understanding of animal rights and conservation. Ultimately, it is our
responsibility to support initiatives that prioritize the welfare and
conservation of animals, while also fostering public education and
engagement to safeguard the future of our planet and its diverse
inhabitants.
Essential words for speaking and writing
1. Aid – help that you need, especially to perform a particular task
She walks with the aid of a stick.
2. Gauge – to make a judgement about something, especially people’s
feelings or attitudes
They interviewed employees to gauge their reaction to the changes.
3. Simulate – to create particular conditions that exist in real life using
computers, models, etc., usually for study or training purposes
Computer software can be used to simulate conditions on the seabed.
4. Unreliable – that cannot be trusted or depended on
He's totally unreliable as a source of information.
5. Inhumane – not caring about the pain or problems of other people or
animals; very cruel
You are treating as a inhumane person.
6. Deprive – to prevent somebody from having or doing something, especially
something importan
They were imprisoned and deprived of their basic rights.
7. Enclosure – a piece of land that is surrounded by a fence or wall and is
used for a particular purpose
You don’t have to send your pet to wildlife enclosure. It is so cute.
8. Liberty – freedom to live as you choose without too many limits from
government or authority
The concept of individual liberty is enshrined in the constitution.
9. Detract – to make something seem less good or fun
He was determined not to let anything detract from his enjoyment of the trip.
10. Impement – to make something that has been officially decided start to
happen or be used
A new work programme for young people will be implemented.
11. Initiative – a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for
achieving a particular purpose
The money was intended to support initiatives in bilingual education.