Who in Their Right Mind Would Support Animal Research?

After reading some of the opinion pieces posted here by opponents of animal research I am sure some readers may be asking themselves:

Who in their right mind would support the use of animals in biomedical research?

Please count with me...

The American Academy of Neurology says that

“In recognition of the need for the appropriate and humane use of animals in research, and in response to the growing pressure from other organizations that would deny Americans the health benefits evolving from animal research, the American Academy of Neurology, as a professional society including basic and clinical researchers and caregivers, endorses and supports the appropriate and responsible use of animals as experimental subjects.”

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that the organization

“[...] recognizes that animals play a central and essential role in research, testing, and education for continued improvement in the health and welfare of human beings and animals. The AVMA also recognizes that humane care of animals used in research, testing, and education is an integral part of those activities.”

The American Heart Association says that

“We support the continued responsible use of animals in biomedical research. Effectively preventing and treating disease depends on accurate knowledge about its causes, on how disease affects the body, on drugs that combat disease, on devices that work, and on operations that cure.”

The Society for Neuroscience explans that

“Knowledge generated by neuroscience research on animals has led to important advances in the understanding of diseases and disorders that affect the nervous system and in the development of better treatments that reduce suffering in humans and animals. This knowledge also makes a critical contribution to our understanding of ourselves, the complexities of our brains and what makes us human. Continued progress in understanding how the brain works and further advances in treating and curing disorders of the nervous system require investigation of complex functions at all levels in the living nervous system. Because no adequate alternatives exist, much of this research must be done on animal subjects. The Society takes the position that neuroscientists have an obligation to contribute to this progress through responsible and humane research on animals.”

The constituent members of the largest experimental biology society in the country, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, stated that

“The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) affirms the essential contribution of animals in research and education aimed at improving the health of both humans and animals. The role of animals remains critical in understanding the fundamental processes of life, and in developing treatments for injury and disease. [....]

In supporting these principles, it becomes the responsibility of the members of the Constituent Societies of FASEB to educate the public about the role of animals in understanding life processes and disease, and their vital contribution to human and animal health.”

Of course, I already pointed out that the American Medical Association,  has strong statements in support of animal research:

H-460.974 Animal Research/Rights

The AMA (1) reaffirms its commitment to public education by encouraging physicians to place copies of material describing the medical benefits of animal research in their office waiting rooms; (2) supports heightened public awareness and education with regard to the types of animal models employed in research and efforts employed to avoid animal suffering; and (3) stresses to the public its concern with regard to the impact of the animal rights movement on the conduct of biomedical research, as well as support for the proper and humane treatment of animals in research.

H-460.988 Need for Continued Use of Animals in Research and Education

The AMA supports (1) the humane use of animals essential to research, education and the development of drugs and medical devices; and (2) efforts to assure the availability of animals for these purposes.

H-460.989 Animals as Experimental Subjects

The AMA encourages medical school faculty who use animals in the education of students to continue instruction of students on the appropriate use and treatment of animals.
So the answer is many in their right mind will support the responsible use of animals in research to further our knowledge and advance medical science.

Thus, the answer is that many in their right mind supports animal research.  Why?   Because, as Dr. Weinberg already summarized:

“If the American people wish to support Dr Greek's agenda, then they must at the same time give up the hope that future biomedical research will improve the powers of medicine to treat and cure disease -- it's as simple as that."

Yes, it is as simple as that.