Globally, there is a growing controversy surrounding animals used in testing. After researching both sides of the issue, I found animal research is necessary for medical breakthroughs and the health of humans. With that, I also believe animal testing should be mostly reduced to studies that are important in retaining or improving the health of humans. There should be a critical focus on using alternative solutions to cosmetic product testing that avoids the use of animals.
Animal testing is portrayed as much worse than it actually is. When most people think of animal testing, they think of monkeys and dogs, but in reality, 95% of all animals used are lab-bred mice, fish, and birds. Scientists follow guidelines that do the least amount of harm possible. They look to other forms of testing, like cell culturing, when the use of animals is not absolutely necessary. In addition, scientists use the minimum amount of animals needed and keep them in conditions as humane as possible. All experiments are supervised by organizations to ensure the adequate treatment of the animals.
Ultimately, the debate boils down to how much you value human lives in comparison to animal lives. In the future would you rather see a cure for cancer, a disease that destroys millions of lives, for the cost of some animals' lives, or the continuous rising death toll, possibly including those you love. Using animals for disease studies, treatment development, and protection against possibly harmful products, can help and save countless people on the planet today and in the future ahead.
