Animals are used in research by scientists seeking cures for disease. They are also used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies to test drugs, makeup, lotions, soaps, and shampoos. Why do we rely on animals to test our products for safety? Since animals share many genes and organs with humans, scientists say that testing new products on animals first can protect humans from potentially harmful effects of these products.

Many pharmaceutical researchers rely on animal testing to determine if new medicines could cause harmful or fatal reactions in humans. Researchers justify their choice by saying that only a small proportion of research animals are used in painful and dangerous tests.

If animal testing is designed to protect humans, then why do so many people react negatively to it? Today, more and more people will not buy products tested on animals because they consider animal testing cruel and unnecessary. These animal rights defenders say that even one animal used in dangerous testing is too many. Many of these people check their products, like shampoo and laundry detergent, in order to avoid products tested on animals. Companies that use alternative methods of testing their products benefit from advertising to these consumers.

What do you think? Is it okay to test drugs or makeup on animals? Do humans have more rights than animals? Is animal testing justified because it helps humans?