Dominion

I note with some dismay the recent activities of animal rights extremists (yes, I used that word) in Europe but I fail to follow their logic. Let’s give them their due and acknowledge that they have issues with the use of animals in research. Let’s further acknowledge that in free societies the right of public debate should be inalienable. How does burning down a vacation home and (far, far worse) stealing the ashes of an executive’s mother from a cemetery further the discussion of animal rights? What message does this send? “Do something we disagree with and we will do horrible things to you and those you love”. To my mind, that’s the working definition of a terrorist. Most advanced countries have expressed intolerance for terrorism as a means of expression, so why do we continue to tolerate this?

As a scientist, I recognize the use of animals as models to understand human disease and to develop ways to prevent and treat disease. Are their lives insignificant? Absolutely not! Anyone who has watched an animal play or express affection could never believe this. However, I believe in the sanctity of human life. To believe that we are no different from other animals, and therefore appropriate targets to terrorize or even kill in pursuit of some greater good, is wrong-headed. To be balanced, I believe that anyone who callously mistreats an animal - any animal - either by cruelty, for "sport", or general disregard (what the activists term "speciesism") should face moral contempt and fierce legal consequences. But death threats and physical or psychological intimidation? Never.

Yet, we have “dominion” over other animals. (I recommend the excellent book of the same name by Matthew Scully for a fairly balanced explanation of the concept.) Inherent in this is the moral imperative to ensure that we refine, reduce and replace the need for animals whenever possible. I challenge every company that must use animals in their research to adopt the credo that no animal will ever suffer needlessly, and the fewest animals will be used to obtain scientifically defensible data. The day is neither here nor near when a software program can replicate the intricacies of any living organism. Until that day arrives many years hence, we in the science professions must remember that all life is special.

--R.V. House