An estimated 115 million animals worldwide are experimented on every year for research.
Most of these animals are forced to endure painful and lengthy procedures, many times with no pain-relief. When an animal has served its research purpose it is usually killed.
115 million animals equates to more than 300,000 animals that are tested on and killed every day.
Vivisection (animal experimentation) is used by many different industries all over the world. Animal testing is used for medical, agricultural, and psychological research. Most cosmetics and household products are tested on animals as well.
The majority of the animals used in experimentation are mice and rats but also guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, birds, farm animals, primates and even cats and dogs are used.
Many argue that primates should not be used in experimentation due to their high levels of intelligence and capacity for emotion.
Rats and mice are commonly thought to have no emotion or higher intelligence, making them seemingly good candidates for experimentation.
Many recent studies have proven otherwise including a study by neurobiologist Peggy Mason of the University of Chicago.
Mason found that a rat will frantically try to free a trapped cagemate while ignoring the nearby temptation of chocolate chips. Once the rat managed to free its friend, it shared the chocolate chips with him.
It is important to remember that The Bible tells us that God cares about all of His animals equally.
Animal testing that is vitally beneficial to humans can be morally justified, but the great price that is paid by God’s creatures must not be forgotten.
Animal testing should be used minimally and the pain and suffering of the animals should be prevented whenever possible.
