Expert: Robin Flynn - 5/18/2007

Question
Why do people use animals for testing?
If they want to see the effects of the product, why don't they use themselves?

Answer
Dear Thomas,


I believe scientists test products on animals because of a “fear factor”. They think products must be animal tested or humans will suffer and this suffering will result in a product liability lawsuit. Now, there are companies who sell products that do not test on animals, they use sophisticated alternatives that are readily available to any company. These companies are not hit with law suits; as a matter of fact their products are safer and healthy for consumers and the environment. So you have to ask yourself, why do some companies continue to test on animals if they witness other companies producing products without negative results? I would think it’s because they don’t care about the horrific cruelty that these animals endure. And they don’t think changing their methods to ensure a safer product for humans and to end animal suffering is worth the effort. We the consumers need to let these companies know how we feel. I would guess if 90% of Americans were educated on the facts surrounding animal testing and then asked it they support it, their answer would be NO.

I had a one on one with a scientist once and he told me some scientists use animals because they don’t want to change their methods, why should they stop if they are legally able to commit these horrific acts. Consumers need to let these companies know that it is simply not okay with them. It is important that we as consumers STOP using products that are tested on animals and START writing to these companies letting them know we want them to find alternative methods. The pressure from animal rights groups and consumers like you and I have helped many animals. We need to keep the pressure on and someday product testing on animals will be obsolete.  If you would like to look up companies that do and don’t test please follow the link provided.

http://www.caringconsumer.com/


Please check out the following sites:
www.pcrm.org
http://www.navs.org
www.stopanimaltests.com/AnimalsinLabs.asp
http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/10-12/cosmetics-animal-testing-article.htm

Thank you for caring for the animals!!

For the animals,

Robin