Science

Unethical Science

In many teaching establishments, students continue to face compulsory and harmful animal use. They are encouraged or coerced into performing dissection and vivisection, contrary to their ethical beliefs. These activities subject countless frogs, fish, rats and other animals to severe suffering and death.

There is a growing movement to provide a humane approach to the teaching biological sciences, and human and veterinary medicine.

The evidence is now clear: students can and do complete their degrees without any violation of their freedom of conscience and without harming animals.

Reports about animal experimentation

Bad Ethics, Bad Science
Curiosity killed the dog
Lethal business
Man or mouse

Humane education

InterNICHE is a network comprising students, teachers and animal campaigners, which offers practical support to teachers to help replace harmful animal use and complement existing alternative methods. And it empowers students to defend their freedom of conscience and to demand a progressive, humane education system of the highest quality.

Students can learn using a combination of teaching methods ranging from multimedia computer simulation to self-testing on themselves and fellow students. For direct experience of animals, students can practice observational work on non-incarcerated living animals, perform healing interventions on those who are already sick, and use the bodies of others who have died naturally. Animal experiments teach disrespect for life - because the animals are considered emotionless, disposable tools.

A ground-shift towards humane education is becoming more and more apparent: the new veterinary college at Western University of Health Sciences in California has designed all its courses to be zero-animal consumptive, with a 'reverence for life' philosophy.

Concerned about vivisection within your university? Get active!

1. It is usually easier to initiate change from within the educational institution, rather than have an outside body or person try to do it. This is because academic staff are likely to consider outsiders as interfering in their affairs. Approach the relevant member of staff and discuss the possibility of introducing non-animal options. InterNICHE has a database of humane alternatives and a range of non-animal resources for use in higher education. Lobby for these to be adopted. Animal Aid can give guidance as well.
2. Investigate your moral or legal right to refuse to participate in courses that involve dissection/vivisection. Did you sign a 'consent form' as part of your admittance? Obtain a copy from the admin dept of the institution, and study the fine print.
3. Visit the Students for Ethical Science website for further info, links and advice.
4. Encourage your course leader, or the student union, to invite an Animal Aid speaker to give a talk. Students should have access to balanced information, which means the anti-vivisection argument is important and valid.
5. Conduct a survey or opinion poll of life science students. This might involve standing outside the entrance to the relevant departments, and asking students and staff going in/out for their views regarding dissection, students' right to refuse, provision of ethical alternatives, animal research experiments etc. Once compiled, the data can be used to get publicity and support for an ethical science campaign. You may discover other students who feel the same way. Grouping together as 'conscientious objectors' will give you more confidence and authority - although never underestimate the power of one person alone! Stand up and be counted!