Euphemism - do we really sacrifice animals? In: Making Lives Easier for Animals in Research Labs: Discussions by the Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum (2007)

LAREF [Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum]

Abstract

If we use the terms sacrificing or euthanizing with full awareness of what they actually imply to animals in research, we are honest to ourselves and we will do our very best to minimize the discomfort, pain and distress that the animals may experience during this life-terminating procedure. If, however, we use these polite terms to give the impression that what we are doing is justified and humane, we are dishonest to ourselves and to the lay public.