ARTICLES

Argument Against Animal Testing
16-November-1998
Edited: 20-August-2003
Thanks to all-creatures.org for photos and explanatory notes.

Animal experimentation, once presumably necessary, has become outdated. Today’s medical advances are capable of replacing the inhumane animal labs with science and computer labs. It is essential that Christians are made aware of this, since they, for the most part, fail miserably in stewardship responsibilities.

Reality

(Rabbit - 04)  Thousands of rabbits like these babies are bred every year to satisfy the vivisection industry.  Their lives will have none of the joys that God created for them to have.  Humans have condemned them to a life of pain and suffering.

 

God literally gave people domain over animals, stating that animals will live in fear of humans. Through Christ we have a "Ministry of Reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 2:18), that is, to make things right. Thus, our dominion is one of love, not exploitation. God has a relationship with, and an eternal plan for, animals:

† When created, God declared His animals as "good". (Genesis 1:25)

† Noah was instructed to save animals from the flood (Genesis 6:18-21) and, afterward God made the same "Rainbow Covenant" with animals as He did with people. (Genesis 9:12-17)

† In Job 39:1-4 we learn of God’s love for His creation. He is at the birth of each mountain goat and bear.

† In Psalm 148 we read of all creation praising God along with people.

† Isaiah 11 describes the future "Peaceable Kingdom", animals specifically in 6-9.

† The Great Commission presented in Mark 16:15 tells us to preach the Good News to all creation.

† Jesus shed His blood for all things, reconciling creation to God, and all will be under Christ for eternity (Ephesians 1:9,10; Colossians 1:19,20).

† Creation is groaning in anticipation of its liberation, having hope of the resurrection, at the time of the redemption of humankind. (Romans 8:18-25)

† Creation was made by and for Christ. (Colossians 1:15-16)

God not only cares about how animals are treated, but He tells us in 1 Corinthians 15.39, "All flesh is not the same; men have one kind of flesh, animals have another…" (NIV).

This scripture refers to the understanding of resurrection; however, it makes a statement that there is enough difference between humans and animals that we can safely assume it is not appropriate to dump our ills on God’s creatures.

Why experiment on species having different systems when, for example, HIV positive chimpanzees do not get AIDS, and antibiotics for people are not interchangeable with those for animals?

(Monkey - Baby - 02)  This is another captive baby monkey.  There is an expression of deep sadness on her face because she is being denied a natural family life, the same kind of life we want for our own human babies.  Put an end to this kind of loneliness and suffering!  Say no to any charity that does "research" on animals.

 

 

(Monkey - Baby - 03)  These are some baby monkeys that were imported for use in laboratory experiments.  They were found dead on their arrival at London airport (UK).  According to www.betrayed.org.uk "These are just some of the several hundred baby chimps found dead at Heathrow Airport, victims of jam-packed crating."  Our thanks to Gary Adams for bring this to our attention.

Despite being physically different, people and animals share similar emotions. Animals have been studied to prove hope, love, joy, sadness, loneliness, fear, and mourning.

Primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice, and birds, however, are doomed to a caged life of horror and pain. Some experiments are intense, frequently without the use of anesthesia or painkillers, such as breaking the legs of beagles to establish pain endurance. Another is pouring chemicals in the eyes of confined rabbits. Having eyes that do not tear, they writhe until many break their backs trying to escape. Primates being wheeled to the testing and surgical areas tremble in fear. Vocal chords of animals are severed so scientists do not hear their screams.

(The Dog - Research - 03)  This dog was rescued from a laboratory where it had been subjected to experiments on his hind legs. [Photo drawn from JAVA (Japan Anti Vivisection Association). (1990's).]  There are so many real situations from which to derive research data, where care-givers could do some actual good, that these kinds of experiments are rendered totally unnecessary.  Stop supporting organizations that fund laboratory experiments on animals.

Common rebuttal statements are that is better to test on animals than on humans and testing saves lives. Traditionally, these have been thought to be valid facts. Today’s testing achievements denounce that belief.

As a matter of fact, the Drs. Greek reported in a National Anti-Vivisection Society publication that treating people and animals with the same medications for the some of the same diseases frequently cause adverse affects, to the point of death, for both people and animals. Therefore, if treatment is not the same, it makes no sense to experiment on animals relating to human maladies.

Alternatives include the following:

In vitro	Testing "in an artificial environment outside the living organism." (American Heritage 715)
Chorioallantoic Membrane	Testing of the membrane of a fertilized chicken egg.
Computer	Network and model testing, including research on past animal tests, so that new testing is unnecessary.
Cell culture	Testing by growing cultures.
Analytical methods	Testing with chemistry and biology.
Stem Cell	While some stem cell is from embryonic sources, this is not condoned here. Stem cell research is possible by the use of fat obtained from liposuction surgeries.
Technology*	Breakthroughs in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Epidemiology*	The study and control of diseases within the human population.
Clinical Research*	The observation and analysis of a patient’s condition.
Autopsies*	Virtually every disease has either been discovered or clarified as result of autopsies.
Post-Marketing Drug Serveillance*	A system of reporting all effects and side effects of a medication after it has been released to the public. When in effect, health professionals could detect and prevent the dangers of negative drug reactions.
Genetic Research*	Reveals which genes cause humans to be predisposed to hereditary problems.
Computer and Mathematical Modeling*	Mimics shapes and structures of molecules allowing scientists to improve their design to be more effective.

*A more complete description of these alternatives can be found in the pamphlet "The Heart of Technology" produced by In Defense of Animals, from which of the above information marked with "*" was obtained and quoted.

Many organizations, such as the American Cancer Society (ASC), turn away from natural cures for diseases. Ruth Heidrich, Ph.D., is a breast cancer survivor. After her double mastectomy in 1982, she chose diet and exercise vs. chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Heidrich stated, "I wanted to share what I’d learned, so I turned to the American Cancer Society…[and they] didn’t want me to talk about the diet and exercise that had saved my life. ACS officials pleaded with me not to upset the doctors for fear of losing their support." An ACS research professor, Robert Weinberg, stated, "Eighty to 90 percent of cancer is caused by lifestyle or diet." Here is proof that even ACS knows their experiments are no longer needed, but are afraid of being put out of business!

It is time for people to be responsible for their own diseases. This can be started through the purchase of environmentally friendly products that are not tested on animals. It is also important to let the manufacturers know that products are being switched. Also, "cruelty-free giving" to medical organizations that do not test on animals is appropriate. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine provides up to date information on compassionate organizations and acknowledges them with a special seal of approval.

While Christians are not leading the way, a new awareness is arising within that community. Believing in Jesus, there is belief in love and compassion. Acting in love and compassion means caring for the lesser and weak, including His animals. Let us claim our mandate of Ministry of Reconciliation. Let us make things right.

Works Cited

all-creatures.org. Animal Exploitation Photo Gallery. www.all-creatures.org

Houghton Mifflin Company. The American Heritage College Dictionary Third

Edition 715 (1993).

Heidrich, Ruth. "I beat cancer, now I want charities to help prevent it!"

PETA’s AnimalTimes Summer 1998: 10-11.

In Defense of Animals. The Heart of Technology. 2003 www.idausa.org

National Anti-Vivisection Society. NAVS Action Report. www.navs.org

Zondervan Publishing House. The NIV Study Bible 10^th Anniversary Edition

2280 (1995)

References

Linzey, A. (1995). Animal Theology. London: SCM Press, Ltd. [40,41]

Colgate-Palmolive (1998). Product Safety Research Policy. New York: [No

Press] [1]

Masson, J. M., McCarthy, S. (1995). When Elephants Weep. New York:

Delacorte Press [45-90, 111-132]

Proctor & Gamble (1997). Product Safety Testing at Proctor & Gamble.

Progress inDeveloping Alternatives to Animal Research. Ohio: Eagle

Graphics [11]

 

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