Animals are part of our every day lives.  We see them on a walk to the store, in houses as domesticated pets, in zoos, and in the water.  Animals are also in places not so often seen by the public; in research facilities as subjects.

    Have you ever been treated with the drug Penicillin during a bacterial infection?  Have you known anyone getting treated for AIDS, needing an organ transplant, or getting put under anesthesia for an operation?  These procedures, and many other medical advances, were discovered using animal models in laboratory research.

    Animal research was established early in human history.  Since then, millions of discoveries, benefiting both humans and veterinary practice, have been made.  Measures have also been taken to guaranteed that animals are ensured certain, undeniable rights during testing and medical procedures.

    In the 21st century, science has found many ways to minimize the amount of animal research being conducted. 

    To get some background on the issues surrounding animal testing, please read to the following speech transcript in support of animal research, then read the article found below.  These two sources will give you some ideas about the conflicting side of the debate about animal research.  Keep on mind that these two pieces are opinion pieces and should be used as so.

1. 1.http://www.pro-test.org.uk/2006/04/why-animal-research-is-important-and.html
   

2. 2.http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/CAMPAIGNS/experiments/ALL/745//
   

After you have read this background information continue on to Your Task.

Created by: Lauren Beckwith, Chrissie Spence, George Bechara