Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 1
Animal Research Argumentative Essay
Animal research is a topic that is often avoided by many, and due to the secrecy of all
involved, some people are even oblivious to the kinds of research and experiments that innocent
animals are subjected to. Not only is the experimental research performed on the unknowing and
defenseless animals cruel and often unethical. These animals are kept confined, caged, injured
and poisoned, waiting to take their last breath after serving their experimentation purpose. Due to
the extreme measures taken to cover these experiments up, much of society does not know what
goes on in these laboratories. For the percentage of society that is aware of the experimental
research that takes place, we like to think that these animals are well protected by the Animal
Welfare Act (AWA), but how can we be certain when we are not present during the experiments
and of course the animals have no voice to speak for themselves. Abuse of the participants of
these experiments aren’t the only negative impacts of these studies, there are numerous reasons
why this type of research isn’t morally right. The amount of money taken straight from the
taxpayers and quietly set aside to fund this research is one of the major and personal effects of
this type of research.
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 2
Animals have been used throughout history for the purpose of biomedical research to find
life-saving cures and treatments, which is a blessing to the people that ever need these types of
cures/ treatments. Members of our society who oppose animal research claim that the benefits to
humans do not justify the cruel and inhumane treatment to animals, while people that are pro-
animal research, justifies these experimental research projects by stating that animals and
humans are biologically similar and resemble each other in many ways, therefore, using animals
is our best chance to advance biomedical research. Both arguments are valid and communicate
excellent points, but the facts still remain that millions of animals are being subjected to various
cruel and often life threatening situations while undergoing research.
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 3
Honestly, does advancing medicine for our own benefit outweigh the cruel and inhumane
treatments these animals are put through? Speaking as a Christian, no animals should not
undergo experimental research that is hazardous to their health. We should be grateful for the
animals that our creator so kindly placed here on earth for us to live and dwell amongst, not only
because they were placed here for us to protect and care for by God as a gift, but also because
our existence would no longer be possible without our environment (animals, plants, water,
etc…). Think about it this way, would we as human beings like it if alien life did want to present
ourselves to us but not by introducing themselves by coming and abducting us and conducting
experiments on us that we could do absolutely nothing about just as experimental research does
to the animals here on Earth it's much likely the same scenario only in that scenario where the
animals. Therefore, animal research, if not abolished, should be at a minimum reduced with
many boundaries and limitations, major accountability structures making sure those boundaries
and limitations are not overstepped, and major consequences for those who do not want to follow
the rules set within the boundaries and limitations. If we do not protect animals who don't have a
voice to protect themselves we're just bullies hiding behind justification that cruel and unusual
experiments on these innocent animals might save a human life. Where's the justice? Animal
research if not abolished should be reduced and monitored closer than it is now, because it is
unreliable and has harmed humans; alternatives should be looked into deeper and be taken
seriously. Animals deserve fair and humane treatments for what they are providing humans with
and I’m not only referring to the cures and treatments that they have helped discover, but also
companionship as we grow up and warmth during the winter from clothing only made possible
by their existence, and of course just for the fact that our creator gifted them to us when he
created our home.
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 4
Animals are capable of feeling and sensing pain, fear, happiness, sadness, anger, etc,.
because they have a brain and a spinal cord just as humans do. Animals, just like humans, have a
nervous system that consists of both a Central Nervous System CNS) and aPeripheral Nervous
System (PNS). The CNS contains the brain and the spinal cord and the PNS contains all of the
body’s nerves (Skaggs). Whether one is pro-animal research or not, a kind, humane, and
intelligent human being would be both empathetic and sympathetic about the pain and
mistreatments animals may experience. Most species of animals express their thoughts/ feelings
the same way as our own species, through facial expressions.
“In 1928, Alexander Fleming noticed that staphylococcus bacilli would not grow on a
culture medium accidentally contaminated with a mold, Penicillium notatum. But test tube
experiments failed to show the antibiotic properties he expected (''Medical Benefits”). By the
1940’s, eight mice were infected with a deadly dose of streptococci bacteria, and “one hour later
four of them were injected with penicillin” (“Medical Benefits”). Those four mice injected with
penicillin survived, and the other four died. The discovery of penicillin has revolutionized the
ability to treat bacterial infections, which were a major cause of death, it not only has saved
humans, but animals as well.
Another revolutionizing treatment made possible thanks to animal research is for breast
cancer. Breast cancer is a cancer that forms in the breast cells and it is the most common cancer
among women. “In the 1950s, scientists found that hormone changes could lead to breast cancer
in rats. When tamoxifen was developed in the 1960s…detailed studies in animals indicated that it
blocks the actions of the hormone estrogen and lowers the chance of breast cancer returning
(''Breast Cancer Treatment”).
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 5
The development of Herceptin was another landmark thanks to animal research, this
treatment benefits early breast cancer patients best because it only works when breast cancer
cells produce too much of a protein known “as HER-2 which normally helps to regulate cell
growth” (Breast Cancer Treatment), HER-2 was discovered in 1979 in neurological tumors of
rats. Breast cancer has become the second most cancer survival in females in the UK. Last but
not least, a huge successful treatment that has saved millions of lives is insulin. Insulin was
discovered and tested on a dog by removing their pancreas and noticing the dog became diabetic.
Diabetes is when blood glucose or blood sugar is too high, scientists then inject the dog with
insulin to watch the dog’s blood sugar lower back to normal.
One cannot deny the wonderful and successful outcomes this research has led to; we owe
it all to these animals who unknowingly have sacrificed themselves in the name of medicine.
Another valid point that is brought up by those who are pro animal research is that animals and
humans resemble each other in many ways, “all mammals, including humans, are descended
from common ancestors, and all have the same set of organs'' (ProCon.org), such as hearts, lungs,
brains, stomachs, kidneys, lungs, etc., that function the same way with the help of blood stream
and a Central Nervous System. “Chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA with humans, and mice
are 98% genetically similar to humans…Because animals and humans are so biologically similar,
they are susceptible to many of the same conditions and illnesses, including heart disease, cancer,
and diabetes” (ProCon.org). This is a valid claim, and this is why researchers rather experiment
on animals than other alternatives they may have already found. However, this should not mean
scientists are to look away and ignore other alternatives that do not involve animals for the
reason being that it may be the easiest and most accurate way to go.
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 6
Undoubtedly, it gives us a feeling of reassurance when learning about all the successful
outcomes of animal research. However, many experiments have also failed and have harmed
humans. In the case above, where animals seem to be the most important source in biomedical
research, it is taken in account the possible outcomes of medical research if animals are banned.
In the case where animals were banned, this could lead to less medical advancements. This is not
a huge disappointment considering the animals would stop being used or treated as property and
given a life they deserve. In the case where animals are not banned, we would still be benefiting
from the medical research and these animals would still be suffering and dying. A positive
movement that the California State Assembly voted to pass is the bill SB 1249. This bill “will
make it illegal to sell cosmetic products that have been tested on animals” (Dunangan). If this
bill is signed into law, California will be the first state to ban animal-tested cosmetic sales, with
its Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act. As of right now, many companies still test their products on
mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats. Some tests include the Draize Eye and Skin tests. According
to the article Rabbits: Blinded for Beauty, in these tests the animals are restrained in full body
restraints so that “chemicals can be dripped in their eyes or spread on their shaved and scraped
skin. These tests measure the “irritation or corrosion caused to the eye or skin” to see if the
product is safe for human use. What this movement will mean to the cosmetic agencies is that
now they need to look into other things to experiment on, or do not experiment at all. Sales may
decrease, but this will push sellers to search for other alternatives if it has not already been done.
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 7
In addition, it is also valid that animal research has led to advances in medicine. And that
if we didn’t test on animals, alternatives need to be looked into. Some of these alternatives to
animal research are “sophisticated tests using human cells and tissues (also known as in vitro
methods), advanced computer-modeling techniques (often referred to as in silico models), and
studies with human volunteers” (“Alternatives to Animal Testing”). According to PETA these
non-animal methods would take less time and money to complete. Looking for alternatives for
reducing animal use is a positive solution that gives animals a break. Equally important is the
opinion of those opposed to animal research. Animal research can be cruel and inhumane. When
animals are poisoned or injected with a virus or infection, it is understandable that the animal is
subjected to pain and suffering. The prolonged pain and suffering that leads to slow and painful
deaths should not be happening. (NEED MORE RESEARCH)
Furthermore, what needs to be acknowledged is the cruel and inhumane treatments these
animals are put through such as…(NEED RESEARCH)..The merits of the limits of animal
treatment need to be recognized because these repeated treatments start to desensitize scientist
and may start to get worse, if is not worse already. People need to realize the treatment animals
are put through and try to strive for a change. This is not suggestion to stop animal testing for
good, but to pay attention and be for sure that animals are treated with respect and dignity.
(NEED RESEARCH)
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 8
In conclusion, there is no denying that animal research has led to so many medical
advancements that have saved both humans and animal lives. This topic of reducing the use of
animals in animals’ experiments and looking deeper into more alternatives mainly benefits
animals. One benefit that humans could have is the feeling of no remorse on how these animals
may be treated. It is important to take into account the feelings of these animals who unwillingly
are tested for mostly our own benefits. (NEED MORE, AND RESEARCH). PETA states that
“each year, more than 100 million animals—including mice, rats, frogs, dogs, cats, rabbits,
hamsters, guinea pigs, monkeys, fish, and birds—are killed in U.S. laboratories for biology
lessons, medical training, curiosity-driven experimentation, and chemical, drug, food, and
cosmetics testing. Before their deaths, some are forced to inhale toxic fumes, others are
immobilized in restraint devices for hours, some have holes drilled into their skulls, and others
have their skin burned off or their spinal cords crushed” (“Experiments on Animals: Overview).
The audience addressed for this topic are those who are pro-animal research and those who do
not know or try to ignore what really goes on in these laboratories. Both sides of the arguments
will be explained in detail in the next couple pages with strong research and evidence. People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), “is the largest animal rights organization in the
world, with more than 6.5 million members and followers” (“About PETA”) trying to make a
change in the laboratories, entertainment industry, clothing trade and food industry.
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 9
Works Cited
“Alternatives to Animal Testing.” PETA, 17 Apr. 2019, www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-
forexperimentation/alternatives-animal-testing/
“Alternatives to Animal Testing.” Cruelty Free International, 2018,
www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/why-we-do-it/alternatives-animal-testing
“Breast Cancer Treatment.” Understanding Animal Research, 2019,
www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/why/human-health/breast-cancer-treatment/
Dunagan, Judd. “California Just Became the First State to Ban Beauty Products Tested on
Animals.” Pegasus Foundation, Judd Dunagan Https://Www.pegasusfoundation.org/Wp
Content/Uploads/2015/06/Pegasus-logo1-300x130.Png, 6 Nov. 2018,
www.pegasusfoundation.org/california-just-became-first-state-ban-beauty-products-
testedanimals/
“Experiments on Animals: Overview.” PETA, 22 July 2019, www.peta.org/issues/animals-
usedfor-experimentation/animals-used-experimentation-factsheets/animal-experimentsoverview/
Argumentative Essay: Animal Research 10
“Medical Benefits.” Speaking of Research, 3 Apr. 2018,
www.speakingofresearch.com/facts/medicalbenefits/
ProCon.org. “Animal Testing - Pros & Cons.” Animal Testing, 9 May 2019,
www.animaltesting.procon.org/
“Rabbits: Blinded for Beauty.” Humane Society International, 2 Apr. 2019,
www.hsi.org/newsmedia/blinded_rabbits/
Skaggs, Dr. William E. “Nervous System.” Scholarpedia, 2013,
www.scholarpedia.org/article/Nervous_system.
Access NCBI through the World Wide Web (WWW). (1995). , (1), 75.Molecular Biotechnology 3
https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02821338
Frohlich, E. (2016). Alternatives to Animal Procedures in Drug Development. Journal of
Molecular Pharmaceutics & Organic Process Research, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-
9053.1000132
Capizzi, J. E. (2008). Consciousness in Human and Nonhuman Animals. The National Catholic
Bioethics Quarterly, 8(1), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.5840/ncbq20088180
