The use and abuse of animals

Overview

The subtopic covers animal experimentation, UK law and the three Rs, religious and non-religious arguments for and against testing, the Buddhist objection, vegetarianism, halal and kosher slaughter, and factory farming.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Define animal experimentation.

   Model answer

   Animal experimentation is the use of animals to test medicines, products or scientific ideas. Mice and rats are the animals most commonly used in the UK.

2. 2

   What law controls animal experiments in the UK?

   Model answer

   The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 controls animal experiments in the UK. Researchers need a licence and must show that no alternative exists.

3. 3

   What are the three Rs in animal research?

   Model answer

   The three Rs are replacement, reduction and refinement. Researchers must replace animals where possible, use fewer of them, and reduce suffering.

4. 4

   When was cosmetic testing on animals banned in the UK?

   Model answer

   The UK banned the testing of cosmetics on animals in 1998. The European Union banned the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics in 2013.

5. 5

   Give one religious argument in favour of animal experimentation.

   Model answer

   Genesis 1:28 gives human beings dominion over animals, so many Christians allow experiments that save human lives. Human life is valued above animal life.

6. 6

   Give one religious argument against animal experimentation.

   Model answer

   Animals are part of God's creation and stewardship includes a duty of care towards them. Many Christians reject tests carried out only for cosmetics.

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