The US army has finally agreed to stop using animals in testing nerve agents for chemical warfare. Not that the US is going to start using chemical weapons, but it’s more about how to counter-attack or deal with anyone who tries to use chemical warfare on US citizens or US land.

While the intentions are commendable and expected, using animals has been called cruel and inhumane. Animal rights groups have been very vocal about the need to stop using animals. At long last, a US congressman has stepped in to support these animal rights groups.

The animals in question are monkeys and they have been injected with nerve agents to see how it reacts and what would work to treat the symptoms. This will cease by the end of 2011 and instead of monkeys, computer software like simulation programs will be used.

Animal testing has long been a sensitive topic because it is a harsh way of finding answers. Aside from monkeys and helping the army find answers, they have also been used for medical research, cosmetics, household cleaning materials, and for students in medical colleges and high schools. The animals most commonly used are rats, mice, rabbits, frogs, cats, and primates.

They are exposed to toxic substances, some even having chemicals rubbed on their eyes and ears to see what reactions they will have. Some animals are forced to eat pesticides or blinded in order to create products for humans that are safe.  Some of the organizations that do this to animals are huge corporations and even government agencies. Is there any chance of saving these animals?

Aside from joining groups that support animal rights, it is possible to find companies to support who are offering cruel-free methods. It’s also easy to get emotionally swayed by arguments for animal testing. Companies say that using animals saves lives and the animals are just collateral damage. However, it is possible to find solutions without using animals, and it won’t require having to force test drugs on people. A glaring fact is that 92% of drugs tested on animals that have passed as having minimal to no side effects, fail when used on humans. The simple reason is that we are a more complex animal. This should even support the idea of using computer simulation instead.

Securing the safety and rights of animals is a slow and arduous process. It takes on different angles and does not only have to be about endangered animals.

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.