Expert: Lee Meyer - 5/7/2007

Question
Hi! My name is Allison and I am doing a research project on animal testing. We are required to have an interview, and I thought you would be the perfect person to ask. Here are a few of my questions.
1) Do you think animal testing is morally right?
2) Do you think animal testing gives accurate results?
3) What are some alternatives to testing on animals?
I was also wondering if you know of any way I could get a first-hand experience with this topic. We are required to have an experience and I have had a lot of trouble finding a way to do this. Thanks for your time!  

Answer
Hi Allison,

unfortunately I am not a quotable 'expert' on this.  I'm just a guy who volunteers to discuss this, but I have no formal credentials or anything that would make me a source for a research paper.

My opinions to your questions:  1) yes and no, it depends on what the testing is and how the animals are treated.  2) yes and no, some tests are misleading and some results that animals have are not the same as with people.  3) computer simulations, testing on people who volunteer, testing based on known properties of the chemicals or whatever is involved (already-known evidence).

I have no idea where you can get experience in the area of animal testing.  I would probably not want to steer you that way, anyway, as it may be too hard for the average peson to deal with.

Lee