Chapter 2.2. Higher- Versus Lower-Order Species (2007)
LAREF [Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum]
Abstract
It seems that Refinement in the use of animals for research includes choosing lower-order species rather than higher-order species, presumably due to the assumption that the lower-order animals suffer less and that their use in experiments poses fewer ethical problems. Where do we draw the line? For people who are using these terms, lower simply means less like humans, and higher means more like humans. This terminology is tied in with the incorrect view of evolution as a ladder of progress toward especially evolved beings, such as humans. How would animals, used by humans for biomedical research, classify the human species? Of a high order? Crown of creation? Very unlikely! I think all animals deserve the same consideration, whether they are a rat or mouse - of presumed low order - or a dog or monkey - of presumed higher order. It seems strange to me to categorize animals into different orders and then treat them accordingly?
Published
2007
Citation
LAREF [Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum] 2007. Chapter 2.2. Higher- Versus Lower-Order Species. In: Making Lives Easier for Animals in Research Labs: Discussions by the Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum. Baumans, V., Coke, C., Green, J., Moreau, E., Morton, D., Patterson-Kane, E., Reinhardt, A., Reinhardt, V., Van Loo, P. (eds), 4-8. Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC.
Full Article
No link assigned.