From the BBC News...
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has defended its use of more than 100 pigs in explosive tests in Wiltshire.
Some 119 pigs were used in the research at the Government's military research laboratory Porton Down, near Salisbury, between 2006 and 2009.
The tests "saved many lives" in Iraq and Afghanistan due to improvements in post-traumatic techniques, junior defence minister Quentin Davies said.
He said 25 pigs were used in 2006, 19 in 2007, 40 in 2008, and 35 in 2009.
2 comments:
Ana,
I wish we would stop killing humans full stop.
However, the unfortunate reality is that the western world is engaged in dangerous military operations in war-torn countries, and that this will be the case for the foreseeable future.
I could see how the use of pigs for testing in these areas could be used for real gain in the treatment of those who happen to be injured as a result of explosive devices.
Furthermore, it does seem as though the military did go to some lengths to ensure that the pigs in question did not suffer any more pain than was necessary. Provided they comply with all of the requirements relating to animal testing, I would not have any problem with this kind of procedure, controversial as it may be.
Unfortunately, Andrew, this is where we disagree. However, I think this is an excellent example of the difference between animal welfare and animal rights. Animal welfare supporters still believe they can use animals in any way, as long as it is "humane." Animal rights supporters do not believe that animals were put here for our pleasure or to pay for our mistakes.
I am still unclear as to how humans earned the right to do whatever they want with other living things. I'm sure many will say "evolution," but "evolution" is ongoing. Humans did not earn anything, but lucked out because the dinosaurs died out. And at what point will "evolution" decide other species should evolve that are greater than humans? Would you allow those species to experiment with us on a "humane" level?
Something to think about....
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