Should Animals Be Used for Scientific Research?

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There are many doctors in scientific laboratories use what is called the three R’s. It seems important to them to make sure that reducing, refining, and replacing is placed in respect of all animals that are used for research. Many scientists did not put the three R’s into their practices because of no interest or ability. By leading with the three R’s, it shows better care of animals. This can mean that the pain or distress is not a main worry of their studies. With scientists being able to focus on their studies and not the animals’ pain shows a better outcome. Refinement of the protocol to minimize or eradicate distress for species used, would be to change or refine the data sample collection methods. Reduction of the number of animals used to the absolute minimum necessary with research, is the second part of the three R’s. Replacement is the third of the three R’s, and that is the importance of an animal with a non-animal model or less sentient species, usually of a lower phylogenetic order, such as a primitive invertebrate.

All animals do have rights that need to be followed. They need to be cared for in a way that does not cause them pain. There are educational experiences that humans receive from using animals in scientific research. It has been shown from research that was conducted that animals are cared for in ways that helps scientists conduct their researches, such as the three R’s. Humans are always in the need to find ways to eliminate or reduce diseases that are troubling.

References

Avoiding, Minimizing, and Alleviating Distress. (2008) Recognizing and Alleviation of Distress in Laboratory Animals. National Academics Press. Washington, D.C.

Animal Rights. (2013). In Encyclopedia Britannica.

Gardner, R. (2002). Animal rights. In International Encyclopedia of Environment Politics. (pp. 1-2).

Lewis, D. (2009). Laboratory Animal Science Association. University of Leeds. National Centre for Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research. (pp. 1-65)

Moran, Lisa. (2005). Science, Medicine, and Animals. A Circle of Discovery. The National Academic Press. Washington, D.C.

Research Animal Resources. (2009) University of Minnesota Board of Regions. Animal care services.

Shanks, N. (2002). Of Mice and Monkeys: The Moral Relevance of Animal Pain. In Animals and Science: A Guide to the Debates. Credo Reference, (pp. 1-12)

Shanks, N. (2002). The Essence of the Problem: Medieval Legacies. In Animals and Science: A Guide to the Debates.