Animal Research: A Discussion of Ethics

Animals and Ethics

Animals, according to Singer, deserve more respect because they require equal consideration of interests; it is thus unethical to treat an animal in a way that causes suffering or torture (Maxwell et al.). Regan, on the other hand, contends that all mature mammals have identical inherent value and rights. Torturing, injuring, or harming a human being in any way is wrong, and the same can be said for animals (Maxwell et al.). I agree with Singer's viewpoint. Humans and animals both found themselves on Earth and, as a result, should enjoy equal attention of interest and live to the fullest. The most striking point in the discussion is Michael Khan argument supporting animal research; he argues that just because there are issues in animal research does not mean that it should be abandoned without care for the benefits it brings to humans and animals as well (Animal Research). Khan believes that animal research has been beneficial to the overall lives of the human beings and the issues of torture should not blind the public from the success it has had over the years to sustaining human life. I do not think that one should eat meat if they claim not to support animal research. Animals have the right to live just as the human being, and being a lesser intelligent species does not take that tight away from them. Furthermore, these people ought to be compassionate to the animals since they suffer in the hands of the butcher to a degree similar to those in the research facilities.

Question Three

The illustration by Beatson is a fair comparison to the story by Le Guinn. Presently, human beings torture and kill animals for their own happiness, just like the Omelas did to the child (Beatson 2). The animal's interests and wellbeing are totally neglected for the happiness of the humans. Those who object to this usually do nothing except walk away from eating and consuming animal products. The story is an accurate depiction of what goes on in the laboratory medicine today. Animals suffer in the laboratory fields, for example, videos of chicken with broken legs and wings dragging on the floor (Charles). The same is true in other animal's fields where for example, pigs die after being locked in stream chambers (Aubrey). The ugly treatment of these animals for later consumption is morally wrong.

Works Cited

Animal Research. “Animal Research: A Discussion of Ethics". NPR.Org, 2008, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87803961

Aubrey, Allison. "Outrage over Government's Animal Experiments Leads to USDA Review". NPR.Org, 2017, http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/02/06/384103870/outrage-over-governments-animal-experiments-leads-to-usda-review

Beatson, Peter. "Omelas Revisited: The Terrible Paradox Of Animal Suffering". Massey.Ac, 2009, http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/fms/Colleges/College%20of%20Humanities%20and%20Social%20Sciences/PEP/PDF_documents/Sociology/Beatson/Omelas%20Revisited.pdf

Charles, Dan. "In Quest for Happier Chickens, Perdue Shifts How Birds Live and Die". NPR.Org, 2016, http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/06/27/483724603/in-quest-for-happier-chickens-perdue-shifts-how-birds-live-and-die

Solasz, Maxwell et al. "PH115: Introduction to Ethics | Fall 2014 | Page 2". Scholarblogs.Emory.Edu, 2014, https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/millsonph115/page/2/