This is an extremely emotive subject and I think that there are a few instances were the value of such experiments can be justified but in the main,most prove nothing as there is a considerable difference in the effects on humans and animals.As for cosmetic tests,if women want them,let them test them.

I agree that there are *some* instances where animal experimentation may help find a cure for some terrible disease, but there are *many* instances of experimentation that is just plain pointless and cruel. Animal physiology is often different from human, just as male is different from female. For the longest time, experimentation on human subjects was mostly done on males, assuming that women's bodies would react the same way. This way of thinking has changed, as medical science now recognizes that there are differences in the way the different sexes will react to chemicals and diseases. It's the same with animal research. It is now possible to grow human tissue that will be sufficient for a good portion of this research.

I never knowingly buy products that are tested on animals, and I avoid purchasing animal products that are a result of factory farming, both to support humane farming practices, and to support industry workers. The meat packing industry is the most dangerous occupation in the US. People are crippled for life, left with no ability to provide for their families as a result of the "the chain never stops" policy inherent in factory conditions. I'd rather support my local economy and local farmers by buying from local, small-scale operations.

I'm not a fanatic to any degree, but I am concerned about humane practices both toward animals and people, as well as my health and the health of my children and pets.

There was another animal testing story on Animal Planet where they were using beagles and foxhounds to test new drugs. I'm not sure if anyone caught it - but undercover cameras should the psycological effect it was having on the dogs.

The young puppies were warm and friendly at the front of their pens. The 3-4 months old were in the back of their cages, tail tucked, ears back, in defense. Several test run per day. You do have to wonder how "conclusive" these test were when the animals had 7-8 different drugs in their body.

As Paul observes the animal testing issue is highly emotive. However, ask someone who was born minus a few limbs because of thalidomide if they think rigorous testing of pharmacueticals on animals is a good idea or not. Anyone who thinks drugs shouldnt be tested on animals before being used on humans should act on the strenght of their convictions and volounteer themselves and their kids as human 'lab rats'.

To argue that human responses and animal responses to drugs are not analagous is nonsense. Many antibiotics, analgesics etc. that are used in human medicine are also used in vet medicince. I had a dog on doxcycline once because of a suspected spinal infection. My 16 year old friend also takes it for acne.

Testing comsmetics on animals is morally repugnant and indefensible.

I say we use people on death row. They are wasting my tax dollars by sitting there for twenty years and are doomed anyway. The Ted Bundy's and Jeffery Dahmers are scum. Yep, use those type of worthless bastards as lab rats and leave puppies and kittens out of it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Amen to that Karmen. It probably wouldn't be long before they'd be begging to be executed...quickly!

We should test them to see if their organs are compatable with those people that are waiting for transplants.
Take whatever is needed, then send them back to the prison till they are needed again, or the executioner finishes the job.
As long as these dirtbags are allowed to live, they should be doing something positive. What could be better, they are giving others a chance at life after stealing someone else's life.

Brendan,
Not sure where you're getting your info, but Thalidomide *was* tested on animals by the very people who developed it in Germany.

I also think that the bad effects were only seen in babies that were exposed when the mother took the drug while pregnant.
If I remember correctly, the drug is being used again for several different conditions, with good results- Just NOT in wome that are or may become pregnant.