Comments on: Why we breed transgenic animals for research

By: Editorial Team

Editorial Team — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:56:53 +0000

Hi Ross, thanks for commenting, it is greatly appreciated.

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:34:56 +0000

It’s good to see people being open to the idea of animal testing. However, I think it should be made clear that an enormous amount of red tape surrounds animal research (at least in the UK and most of the developed world). Work is only permitted if there is no other alternative (in vitro, in silico…) and we have to work to ensure we use the minimal amount of animals possible to the best of our ability. If scientists are shown to be neglecting their animals, causing unnecessary distress and harm or even performing a technique they are not legally allowed to perform, their ability to work with animals will be revoked and they may have to stand in court.

Additionally, in order to make sure animal welfare is the very top concern, we already have government inspectors who visit us regularly to make sure we are adhering to the law. PETA-approved inspectors are completely inappropriate, in my opinion: they are not bound by law and have been shown to break the law in the past and I fear that their decisions might be governed more by heart than by head. I think we have a fantastic system in place already to make sure we are treating animals in the best possible way. Scientists are only people: many of us have pets/have had pets and none of us want to see any sort of animal suffering. It’s not “all about the data” – we have feelings, too!

By: Editorial team

Editorial team — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:53:26 +0000

Hi Louise, thanks for sharing your point of view on this platform, it is really appreciated. Have a good weekend.

By: Louise Gardener

Louise Gardener — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:35:08 +0000

I am against animal testing in many situations, particularity in cosmetics and unnecessary studies but when there is a clear benefit AND the animals are treated well and not abused AND there really is no alternative & even then using mice-vermin to many-is better than using beagles and primates. Like you say insulin would not be possible without animal studies and diabetic women would never carry a child to term like the old days. I think what most people get angry and upset about (myself included) is the cruelty that has been exposed, images of HIV infected monkeys seeing the light of day after 30 years in dark cramped conditions, rabbits locked in boxes being blinded with products that are obviously going to irritate anyone eyes etc. the lack of transparency in land and companies that test is also a big problem and I found it refreshing to see someone taking the time to explain their own research. I wish more would follow your example and I dream of a world where only the smallest amount of testing (If any!) happens but with PETA approved inspectors and staff being able to monitor animals welfare and conditions and regulation on uneccessary research. I also think scientists should be held responsible in courts of law for cases of animal cruelty, again seen on under cover reporting. I hope that the research into downs above does lead to advances in science that have a directly positive effect in improving the lives of those born with Downs Syndrome and the families who care for them. Peace, Love & Respect. Thanks for listening x