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258 BCE
Starting Before Time
Animals have been used repeatedly since the early ages of Greek physician-scientists, performing anything and everything on animals before applying them to human patients. -
Times of Change
In the year, a pharmaceutical company in the USA created a solvent known as the "Elixir Sulfanilamide", which was poisonous to humans. Completely unaware of this, the company had marketed it to the public, because they had not tested the product on animals beforehand. Similar cases regarding this problem, lead the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requiring many if not all companies safety testings of drugs on animals before any product was to be released to the public, in 1938. -
Known as the three R's: Reduction, Refinement, Replacement
Scientists followed the simplicity of their principles - the three R's.
Their idea was to keep the testings in line, by 1.) Reducing. Whether it be improved work in analyzing their experiments using other and better resources and techniques. 2.) Refinement. Attempting at being less worse than they already were, scientists used a less invasive technique, better medical care, and better living conditions. 3.) Replacement. using other methods in their testings, other resources. -
Period: to
Against Multiple Opinions
Recently, the practice of using animals for biomedical research had come under severe criticism, choosing to use any creature for certain product testings. Leading Animal Protection and Animal Rights communities begin speaking up for animals who cannot say anything for themselves. Protesting the fact that what scientists shouldn't approach animals without free will. -
Protesting Began
Many companies like Avon and Revlon was targeted by a group of protesters because they were known to practice on animals. Leading both to become anti-animal testing policies. The abundance of media attention and protests also led up to the banning of animal testing for cosmetics purposes in several countries, including the United Kingdom. -
PETA gets involved
PETA is formed and organizes the first World Day for Laboratory Animals protest in the U.S. PETA continued to work in major investigations involving anyone who partakes in the testings and cruelty of animals. -
Threats were made
Threats to researchers and their families left some of the more prominent ones requiring bodyguards for protection. Arson attacks and violence became a reality for those who performed animal testing, particularly those who used primates. A primate researcher at a university in the United States received numerous threats for his research. After regular demonstrations and threats to his well-being, he halted the research. In 2007, a bomb was even found but no one was harmed. -
Disagreement Arise
Proponents of animal testing say that it has enabled the development of numerous life-saving treatments for both humans and animals, that there is no alternative method for researching a complete living organism, and that "strict regulations made by the AWA prevent the mistreatment of animals in laboratories." Opponents of animal testing say that it is cruel and inhumane to experiment on animals, that alternative methods are available to researchers that can replace animal testing. -
Necessary Actions Taken
Harvard Medical School took actions, making the decisions to end their known center with a bang. Before the research center, was used to correct animal care and oversight problems that had resulted in the deaths of four monkeys Feb. 2012. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had investigated the center and cited Harvard for violations of animal welfare rules. Causing rumors from other researchers to spread of what they'd done and become noticed by the public. -
Is there Hope?
Today in the US, dogs from shelters are possibly seeing a light, ending their misery being experimented on the scientist's behalf. Are they in the chance of a better life or is it just to make face for the public. Which animals will have an ending in experimentation?
