Tale #10: Our Lab Pets

Hello and welcome back, 

When watching the films "Food inc and Fresh," I got a more in-depth explanation of industrialized farming. It got me thinking we are so busy talking about what goes inside our bodies but not what we put on the outside. Eventually, I drew up a conclusion of researching animal testing.  I found out how many products, companies, and the millions of ways society mindlessly dismisses this topic. It made me upset, uncomfortable, and disappointed. I had unknowingly contributed to this ongoing problem by not educating myself. 

Animal testing was "needed" to help prevent allergic reactions in specific products. The issue with this concept is that not all animals are biologically the same. Animals and humans will react differently to different things. For example, Jessica Alba created "the honest company" because she would have allergic reactions to popular products. So, why would people and animals be any different? After seeing this short animated video Save Ralph,(Viewer Discretion is advised) it shows society the harsh realities of animal testing. By creating this video, it allows people to choose what products they want to buy. The cruelty-free international organization states that scientists are no longer testing different drugs but are genetically modifying their DNA. This essentially creates an entirely new problem if laws are not created to change this situation. Informing the public and creating new laws enables conversations regarding this topic and promotes effective change. 

When informing the public on animal cruelty, the most effective way would be to create pictures (like this one ->) to promote conversations into society's lives. When there are advertisements, billboards, and commercials that educate people on this topic, people have no choice but to face this problem rather than look away. If documentaries inform the public on tucked away issues like industrialized farming, simple photos will notify the public of this reality. When smoking and vaping, advertisements were educating millions on the harmful chemicals. Many stopped buying those products and doing the same with animal cruelty it will change the outlook on these cruel procedures.

Animal testing is an ongoing problem that is changing due to the demand for cleaner products. The Cruelty-Free Kitty provides a list of the companies that do and don't animal test. The fastest way to combat animal testing would be to no longer shop and educate others on this harsh and unethical behavior. In the PETA article, Dr. Klausner claims, "we have cured cancer in mice but not humans." It is useful when understanding how Animal testing time and time again proves that it is unnecessary.Although many are still contributing to this process, many countries are changing this ongoing problem. Sates such as California, Illinois, and Nevada changed the laws on testing in 2020. Maryland and Virginia are in the process of eliminating testing as well.  When showing people what specific companies do while creating their products, consumers can then "force" companies to change their ways or boycott the company. 

The way that I will do better to prevent animal cruelty is to look for cruelty-free products. I will research those companies, check labels on future items, and continue to educate myself on topics put on the shelf. By not buying or supporting testing companies change will happen! I believe that consumers should be aware of what is going on behind the scenes as it will allow them to choose/support the companies that align with their morals. 

Until next time, Bye!