Animal Testing at Dalhousie University: A brief insight into social, economic, and environmental effects of nonhuman animal testing

Abstract

The purpose of our research was to examine whether the use of nonhuman animal testing as a method of scientific progress is a sustainable undertaking. This report explored the opinions of literature sources through literature review and surveyed psychology students at Dalhousie. Our literature review emitted two different results. First, industries that used animal testing supported the practise, feeling that benefits of testing outweigh the costs. Animal tests contribute to preventing substances from harming the environment and health of Canadians. We found that 58% of psychology students agreed, feeling animal testing is sustainable as it can lead to new discoveries that helps humans and the environment. Second, we found literature written by experts on animal testing, which examines the idea that animals and the rest of our environment are at our disposal and we may deal with them as we wish. These arguments led to the belief that animal testing is not sustainable. This report discusses the controversy of animal testing, and concludes with the need for further investigation into the sustainability of animal testing.