2008 Woodie Awards
Editor's Column: Scientific testing of animals needs to determine
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Opinion
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Last June, the New York Times called attention to a not so new issue in science: The rights of animals in scientific testing. In a feature focusing on the a genetic mutation that causes overactive muscle production in Whippet race dogs, the Times call attention to the fact that humans seem to have taken control of the evolution of particular species. While our society has evolved away from some of the more horrific consumer products animal testing, there is still not a clear code of ethics that is to be followed in animal testing design.
In the case of science, it cannot be disputed that gene testing and DNA selection can be useful for both the animals themselves as a species and humanity; nevertheless, ethical guidelines have not outlined exactly what we weigh as an adequate benefit to justify damaging an animals health or ending its life.
Not all tests hurt animals. Some very valid and advantageous findings can be made from studies that do not bring any harm or long-term discomfort to animals at all.
What is completely inappropriate and rather disgusting is the fact that humanity has decided somewhere along the line that we have to right to play God, not for the betterment of society or science, but merely for our own enjoyment. In racing we breed horses and dogs for speed and breeders consider this the "betterment of the species." However, breeders often focus entirely on the desired trait, such as speed or appearance, disregarding genetic information that may actually better the health of the breed, or causing worse problems. Labrador breeders, for example, will breed dogs in such a way that guarantees a coveted silver-coat; however, the same gene that ensures the rare coloring also is associated with skin problems for the dogs.
In the case of horse breeding, breeders preoccupy themselves so heavily with the speed of the horses that they breed that stamina is disregarded. When the offspring of speed horses are slated to run longer races at high speeds, they are unable to handle the exertion and can seriously hurt themselves. This type of breeding does not benefit the breed in the long run in the slightest. It makes harmful inbreeded a profitable business for humans at the expense of the animal.
The fact is that the technology is in place that would be able to help improve the health of animals, but in cases such as these, this is not what it's being used for.
In the case of science, it cannot be disputed that gene testing and DNA selection can be useful for both the animals themselves as a species and humanity; nevertheless, ethical guidelines have not outlined exactly what we weigh as an adequate benefit to justify damaging an animals health or ending its life.
Not all tests hurt animals. Some very valid and advantageous findings can be made from studies that do not bring any harm or long-term discomfort to animals at all.
What is completely inappropriate and rather disgusting is the fact that humanity has decided somewhere along the line that we have to right to play God, not for the betterment of society or science, but merely for our own enjoyment. In racing we breed horses and dogs for speed and breeders consider this the "betterment of the species." However, breeders often focus entirely on the desired trait, such as speed or appearance, disregarding genetic information that may actually better the health of the breed, or causing worse problems. Labrador breeders, for example, will breed dogs in such a way that guarantees a coveted silver-coat; however, the same gene that ensures the rare coloring also is associated with skin problems for the dogs.
In the case of horse breeding, breeders preoccupy themselves so heavily with the speed of the horses that they breed that stamina is disregarded. When the offspring of speed horses are slated to run longer races at high speeds, they are unable to handle the exertion and can seriously hurt themselves. This type of breeding does not benefit the breed in the long run in the slightest. It makes harmful inbreeded a profitable business for humans at the expense of the animal.
The fact is that the technology is in place that would be able to help improve the health of animals, but in cases such as these, this is not what it's being used for.
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