Letter (1): Animal affronts

Figures from animal experimenters show that 98-99 per cent of human diseases are never seen in a non-human animal (Letters, THES , August 30, September 7, 14).

Induced diseases do not behave in the same way. The cancers that lab animals develop are different from human cancers, do not spread and affect different body tissues. It is an insult to scientists to suggest they can do no better than to use animal tests.

Animals are not used because their reactions to drugs, chemicals or experimental conditions can be applied to humans. They are used to provide legal protection for drug companies after disasters.

The animal rights argument is unresolvable and irrelevant. The argument over whether vivisection is beneficial to humans can be resolved, and when pursued with ample evidence from both sides, the most common conclusion is that it should be discontinued.

C. M. M. Iles-Wright

Vivisection Information Network