PETIGREE MAGAZINE Issue 1 | Page 9

F E A T U R E

Alternatives

Charles R . Magel , PhD , Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Moorhead State University , explains it best : Ask the experimenters why they experiment on animals , and the answer is : “ because the animals are like us .” Animal experimentation rests on a logical contradiction .
According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies ( CFHS ), many alternatives to test products are available . Several companies that are against animal testing have developed artificial skin systems that can be used to evaluate the irritancy likelihood of tests agents . Cell culture and tissue culture is at present very successful and shows good potential to be the best method to test products .
Samples of human cells and tissues are employed to test a chemical in this method . It is comparatively inexpensive and is favourable for a manufacturer as well , because it offers information and results , in particular , concerning to humans .
More substitutes to the use of animals are up-todate computer systems and human corneas from eye banks . By adopting such methods , the billions of dollars spent every year in animal testing could be put to a much more competent , useful , and humane exercise if used in medical and epidemiological research and public health programs .
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