Ethical Issues in Animal Care

Case Study 6.1

Federal regulations generally require students, staff, and faculty to comply with applicable policies and regulations on animal care and use on campuses. Based on these regulations, which are embedded in the 1966 Animal Welfare Act, policies and regulations address the acquisition, transportation, use, and care of animals (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, 2020). Regulations and policies by the federal government focus on efforts to lessen the distress and pain in animals. In this regard, submitting a protocol to the IACUC to cover these activities is necessary despite the fact that the animals are not used for research. Monitoring the health status of all new incoming shipments of animals will involve testing. The IACUC protocol covers different activities including testing and use of animals (Mohan & Foley, 2019). Therefore, submitting a protocol to cover the testing and use of animals in the new facility is necessary based on Animal Study Protocol.

Case Study 6.2

This scenario highlights an example of issues relating to animals rights with respect to animal research and use. As evident by the turn of events, Dr. Spiegel is facing an ethical dilemma relating to animal mistreatment in medical research at the college and Janie’s probable role in it. As an undercover animal rights agent, Janie is seemingly investigating how animals are treated at the college. Marcina (2005) states that such agents and activists carry out their work to challenge existing societal norms and consensus on how animals are treated. Since Janie is affiliated with an international animal rights organization, terminating her work could be detrimental to the college. Dr. Spiegel should carry out further investigations on the complaints he has received regarding animal research activities at the college. He should then use the results of the investigation to institute necessary changes in the care of animals at the college. By making such changes, Dr. Spiegel will create an environment that generates the greatest good for all based on utilitarian ethical principle. The establishment of proper procedures for animal handling by Dr. Spiegel will be in compliance with Proverbs 12:10, which states that righteous people take care of their animals.

Social drinking is different from drinking coffee because social drinking involves alcohol consumption in various social settings. While both of them do not necessarily create personal, mental or physical problems, social drinking primarily involves the consumption of alcohol in different settings and drinking coffee is primarily for caffeine consumption.

Valium, tobacco, and marijuana can be addictive substances if used regularly and for a prolonged period of time. The potential addiction to these substances could result in slavery to substances as the individual is overcome by the addiction as stated in 2 Peter 2:19. Valium and marijuana can be used for medical and recreational purposes whereas tobacco is primarily used for recreational purposes. However, regardless of the reason for use, they are potentially addictive substances.