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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,...
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…
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.
Police raided the lab and found many ethical aspects within it. For one, the living condictions for the animals were deplorable. Feces appeared throughout the cages; so much so that the animals had to dig through it to find food. Because they had no feeling in their arms, the monkeys would chew and rip the skin from the arms and hands, exposing the bone. These wounds were not properly treated according to authorities. The monkeys were subjected to horrific and often painful experiments through the day. Authorities also cited the fact that the monkeys lived in 15 x 15 cages, in a room with no windows for years at a time. Due to these ethical considerations and more Taub was charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty and failing to provide adequate veterinary care. He was convicted on six counts; five were overturned during a second trial, and the final conviction was overturned on appeal in 1983, when the court ruled that Maryland's animal cruelty legislation did not apply to federally funded laboratories
Ethical Issues of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia The ethical issues relating to assisted suicide and euthanasia have captured the attention of the public. The topic of Euthanasia is a contentious one and it inescapably incites strong emotional argument and gives rise to tough beliefs that do not straight away lend themselves to consensual harmony. It is improbable that a decision can be reached which will meet with universal support whenever such
Many also subscribe to religious beliefs according to which various gods created other animal species for human consumption and which fundamentally distinguish human life and animal life predicated on the religious belief that we are different in kind rather than merely in degree. Contrary to the beliefs of the radical fringe of the animal rights movement, that moral burden does not require that we all become vegetarians to avoid eating
Sharks Are Dangerous to People: Finally, with respect to the argument that sharks constitute a genuine danger because they often attack and eat human beings, that point is both inaccurate and simplistic. Sharks actually avoid human beings except where drawn to us, either by the scent of blood in the water or perceptible signs of physical stress, both of which they evolved over many millions of years to detect (Perrine 1995).
By using animals in research, and through animal research science learns how certain chemicals "interact with living systems"; this knowledge can be "translated into protection of humans, animals, and the environment from toxic levels of natural -- as well as man-made -- exposures (SOT, 6). Legal and professional accountability In Canada there are Research Ethics Boards (REBs) that have the power to authorize or reject funding for experiments with animals; when
.. it's healthy, it's somebody's way of life, it's somebody's livelihood, it's somebody's business.(ibid) This is a strongly worded statement and indictment of an uncaring humanity. However, bearing in mind the daily evidence of cruelty to animals one cannot but feel that there is an element of truth to this argument. Commercial reasons for abuse One of the central reasons or "justifications" for animal abuse and possibly why so many turn a blind
Animal Welfare Assurance Organizations Animal welfare: Assurance organizations Organization 1: Manes and Tails Mission (Hoboken, NJ) Manes and Tails Mission, located in Hoboken, NJ is a locally-based organization that oversees a variety of efforts to reduce cruelty against horses. Given the faltering economy, many horses have been abandoned and/or abused, as fewer and fewer people have the ability to care for their animals properly. Horses from the racetrack or who have been used