WHAT IS ANIMAL TESTING? 

The concept of animal testing derives from the lab procedures performed on animals before they are approved for human consumption. Aimed to facilitate research and development in the field of science, animal testing has been practiced for ages and still continues even today. From cosmetics to medicines, household products to industrial chemicals, animals are tested upon and serve as specimens for human research. 

These lab tests conducted on animals can have mild to severe implications that can hamper the well-being of animals and drive them towards a state of deprivation and distress. The places from which these animal subjects come are varied. However, their places of origin can be categorized into Class A and Class B animals. While Class A animals are particularly raised and nurtured to become subjects for lab tests, Class B animals are often procured from averagely experienced dealers. Furthermore, some animals like monkeys, rats, etc. are caught from the wild lands. 

According to the Human Society International, there are over 115 million animals who are tested for a variety of lab tests. Various animals like rats, pigs, rabbits, monkeys, and mice are included in such tests that usually lead to barbaric deaths due to several inhumane practices. Animal Testing is an age-old practice and so is the lab testing process that is included under this concept.

According to PETA, animal lab tests are 'wasteful' and are conducted because they are considered to be necessary. However, as per scientists and  researchers animal tests are not necessarily productive in establishing approvals of various products or commodities in the commercial sphere.

Rather, the consequences observed on animals during the conduction of lab tests are not likely to occur among humans. In addition, the unnecessary cruelty and inhumane treatment that these animals have to go through is a key factor in the rise of cruelty free lab testing procedures. 

CONS OF ANIMAL TESTING 

Here is a list of cons of animal testing that can highlight the importance of cruelty free lab tests and testing procedures. 

 Inhumane Procedure

Animal testing is undoubtedly an inhumane procedure that attracted the attention of millions of humans from all around the world. Animal testing usually restrains animals from living their routine life and can have severe consequences like disability, or even death. The emergence of alternative tests like in-vitro testing wherein human cells are tested upon, have led scientists to claim that animal testing has rather become unnecessary. While animal testing has been the surface of product manufacturing in the past times, it has certainly taken a back seat in the contemporary era with the coming of numerous alternatives that are even more effective than animal testing. 

 Hazardous Treatment of Animals

The kind of treatment that the animals who are made to participate in such lab tests are extremely hazardous. Directly impacting their mental and physical health, restraining them from living in their natural environment, and hampering their future are some aspects of the treatment the animals are subject to during the conduction of such lab tests. This leads to worsening of their lives that is a major drawback of lab testing procedures. 

"Despite the countless animals killed each year in laboratories worldwide, most countries have grossly inadequate regulatory measures in place to protect animals from suffering and distress or to prevent them from being used when a non-animal approach is readily available." mentions PETA.

 Ineffective Contribution

That's right! Animal testing is somehow an ineffective contributor to lab tests that are intended to test products for human consumption. It has been established that animals have a different metabolism and reaction as compared to humans. Perhaps animal tests ineffectively contribute to lab tests that aim to test products for humans as there might be less or no similarity in the kind of consequences humans and animals will have respectively. Moreover, animal tests tend to miss the most common consequences that can be observed among humans which imply that animal tests are ineffective. 

 Time-consuming Procedures

Animal testing requires resources and time that is indeed a drawback of such procedures. In order to conduct animal tests, scientists and researchers are expected to pour in their valuable time and expenses that can be highly demanding. Furthermore, the long duration of such tests can become a constraint for those looking out for rapid results. Hence, animal testing is a
time-consuming procedure that requires great financial and technical equipment. 

Inhumane procurement of Animal Subjects

The places from which these animal subjects come are varied. However, their places of origin can be categorized into Class A and Class B animals. While Class A animals are particularly raised and nurtured to become subjects for lab tests, Class B animals are often procured from averagely experienced dealers. Furthermore, some animals like monkeys, rats, etc. are caught from the wild lands. 

This implies that most are directly or indirectly kidnapped and kept as captives until the purpose of lab tests are fulfilled. 

CRUELTY FREE LAB TESTING - WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 

In light of numerous cons that have been stated above, cruelty free lab testing is what is required in the contemporary era. With multiple nations establishing laws against animal testing, it is important that more and more scientists walk towards cruelty free lab testing that aims to set captivated animals free. 

The significance of cruelty free lab testing in an unending matter of discussion. Not only does cruelty free lab testing promote a healthier world for animals but it also leads to healthier products for humans as such tests eliminate the use of harsh ingredients like parabens. Especially in the makeup and skin care industry, cosmetics and other products are labelled to be cruelty free which implies that no animal has been harmed during the process of testing and perhaps a cruelty free approach has led to its production. 

While many businesses have opted for cruelty free lab testing protocols, there are still numerous brands that have not walked away from animal testing. Laws related to animal testing aim to regulate the practices that can take place in the process of animal testing. However, a complete stop to such a practice is the demand of the hour. 

As opposed to animal testing procedures that are harmful and ineffective, other alternatives to animal testing procedures have led various industries like the makeup industry to manufacture products that are both sustainable and healthy for humans. This is because effective tests like in-vitro testing produces effective results that reveal the consequent effects of certain products. 

Another significance of cruelty free lab testing is that it helps an individual to make a difference. By choosing brands that support cruelty free lab tests, individuals can choose to put a stop to animal testing that are exploitative in nature. Promoting brands that are ethically aligned with cruelty free laws makes one a responsible citizen in many ways. 

CONCLUSION

To wrap up, animal testing has numerous drawbacks that imply that it should be done away with. In order to curb animal testing, it is important for all of us to dive deep into the situation and empathize with animals that are sacrificed in the process. Cruelty free testing procedures can take place of animal lab testing procedures which can help make the world a better place for both animals and humans. Lastly, animals are as valuable as humans are. Hence, cruelty free lab testing will only make way for a safer environment for animals. 

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