Animal Cruelty How Would the Ethical Issues

Animal Cruelty

How would the ethical issues surrounding Harlow's experiment be changed if it were conducted on lesser species, such as rats

If Harlow conducted his experiments on lesser species that results would have varied dramatically. Although Harlow proved that animals can learn and think at a complex level, the cognitive attributes of those animals must be taken into account. In addition, rats particularly the popular experimental white rat, have differing habits as it relates to child rearing. Rats do not typically nurture their young as to monkeys. In addition, rats do not have the cognitive capacity as many more mature monkeys have.

In regards to ethics, popular opinion would therefore be swayed towards the diffence of monkeys rather than rats. Rats, in many instances are considered dispensible, and inconvieniences of life. Monkeys, as it relates to public perception are often considered close relatives to the human specices. It is likely therefore, that the public would hold the standard of care for monkeys higher than those of lesser species such as rates.

I also believe, the overall longevity and reproductivity capacity influences the ethical issues surrounding Harlow's experiment. Rats tend to live shorter lives, and reproduce a more rapid rate than monkeys. As such, many individuals place less value on the lives of rat than they would that of a monkey. Due to these reasons I believe, that the ethical issues surround rates would have changed significantly relative to monkeys

If Harlow, conducted his experiment in accordance with the law, I believe the public would not find ethical fault with his experiments.

2. Which aspects of Harlow's studies would be violating research guidelines if conducted today?

If conducted today I believe Harlow's studies would violate provisions that stipulate that amount of animal suffering induced by an experiment. Current law states that animals should not suffer in the event more animals are used than are necessary; or because less sentient animals could be substituted for more sentient ones. This is relevant to question 1, as it may be possible to substitute less sentient animals for those of the monkeys and still arrive at the same conclusion. Even more prevalent in the notion of computer or tissue modeling which can substitutfor animals experiments entirely.

In addition, I believe Harlow's experiments would violate provisions related to inappropriate animal handling, housing, and feeding practices. The concluding experiments designed to scare and inflict psychological pain on the monkeys would not be warranted under the law as it violates many animal handling provisions. The cages that Harlow subjected his experiments to would also need to be appropriate for the experiment and the information that is hoped to be derived from it.

3. Give a recent instance where primates were used for research experiments (please cite your study) then explain the ethical consideration with the choice of primates?

A relatively controversial research experiment with primates occurred with the Silver Spring Monkeys between from 1981 until 1991. This experiment, arguable more than Harlow's created horrific living conditions for the primates. This experiment also subjected them to what many believe torture and inhumane activities. The benefits derived from the experiment however, have had implications for human society in multiple facets.

In summary, 17 monkeys had been used as research subjects by the world renowned scientist Edward Taub. Taub, to initiate the experiment cut the afferent ganglia that supplied sensation to the brain from their arms. The afferent ganglia is located in the spinal cord. By removing it and he hoped to train the animals to use the arm that they could not feel. In May 1981, Alex Pacheco of the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) began working undercover in the lab, and alerted police to what PETA viewed as unacceptable living conditions for the monkeys.