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Asked by aliceharper to Indi, Jarv, John, Ken, Vicky on 12 Mar 2012. This question was also asked by csymns08, 4z4m.
Question: do u actually test on the animals ?
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Indi Ghangrekar answered on 12 Mar 2012:
I do, yes. Research on animals is not taken lightly though and there are lots of laws that control what can be done, by whom and where. I had to sit exams so that I was aware of how to look after the animals and check that they are healthy and well and that I knew the law so that I only did what was allowed. You have to ask permission from the Home Office to do any of the work and have to justify and show that it is necessary to carry it out in animals as no better option is available. Inspectors that have veterinary training frequently visit to make sure that everyone is following the law and looking after the animals well and you can get fined or sent prison if you go against it. Any animal research also has to follow the “3 Rs” which is to always try to Replace, Refine (techiniques) and Reduce animals are used in research whenever possible.
It’s not something that I take pleasure in doing but at the moment it is still our best available method to understand certain things about the body that will contribute to developing medicines and understanding illness to help prevent or cure it, either for people or for other animals.
What are your views about research on animals?
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Vicky Young answered on 19 Mar 2012:
No I don’t do any testing on animals. I do all my experiments on cells from humans.
Animal testing is controversial however there is no way that we could have made all the advances in healthcare without animal testing.
In the UK we have very strict laws on animal testing and they animals are not aloud to suffer in any great way, nor are they killed in any painful ways. Animal testing is usually only used when we absolutely need to test on animals and we need to apply for permission to do so.
Its a horrible topic and no scientist will every enjoy this type of testing. Although I agree with animal testing I have never personally tested on animals and I’m not sure that I could if I was asked.
Comments
claudiaxweston2 commented on :
thats terrible
Moderator - Anna commented on :
@claudia, why do you think that’s terrible?
Indi commented on :
@claudia, yes, why do you think it’s terrible? I’d be happy to discuss the issues with you!
claudiaxweston2 commented on :
cause you test on animals (n)
Indi commented on :
@claudia – as I mentioned above, it is only carried out if necessary and it is necessary for prevention of disease and ill health. it is also very very strictly controlled and the animals are well looked after. the question is, if you or someone that is close to you gets sick – would you want to deny them medicines that have been developed by testing on animals? also some work that’s done is to understand behaviour – a friend of mine did a project observing chimps at a zoo, that’s animal testing, do you think that is terrible too?