Question 2: Why are animals used in research?

Because animals are similar to human beings in many ways and scientists use animal when there is a need to find out what happens in the whole living body.

There are three main reasons why animals are used in research:

・To advance scientific understanding

・To develop solutions to medical problems

・To protect the safety of people

To advance scientific understanding

Adding to scientific knowledge through basic biological research helps us understand how living things work, and apply that understanding for the benefit of both humans and animals. The study of animals is a vital part of this research process. Many basic cell processes are the same in all animals, and the bodies of animals are like humans. Comparing different species and studying the differences and similarities between them is one way to gain insights. Information from this sort of work can then be applied to higher animals and humans.

To develop solutions to medical problems

            Once researchers learn more about a particular disease, animals are used to develop and test these potential treatments as part of the applied research process. Data from animal studies is essential before new medical techniques and surgical procedures can be tested on human patients.

To protect the safety of people

            New medicines require testing because researchers must measure both the beneficial and the harmful effects of a compound on a whole organism. The animal tests provide data on efficacy and safety. Testing on animals also serves to protect consumers, workers and the environment from the harmful effects of chemicals. All chemicals for commercial or personal use must be tested so that their effect on the people and animals exposed to them is understood. 

Citation: The National Academies Press http://www.nap.edu/read/10089/chapter/3

AnimalSmart. org http://animalsmart.org/animal-health-animal-welfare/animals-used-in-research