Biotechnology and veterinary medicine
While there have been many practical applications for bio technology and humans, there has also been extensive research in bio technology and animals. Biotech research in the field of veterinary medicine has helped to expand the healthy lifespan of our pets and to cure diseases that would have otherwise ended the life our pets prematurely. There is a very real difference between using animals in medical studies for the advancement of human medicine, and using animals in biotech research for the advancement of veterinary medicine. For example, scientists have used biotech research in order to make some dog breeds smaller in size. This may be a benefit to humans, such as city dwellers that don’t have the room for larger dogs. Shrinking breed size may also benefit the animals because it will eliminate such ailments as hip dysplesia.
Using bio technology in order to extend the life spans of our pets, is perhaps an accepted area of study. However, bio technology can also be used to produce a certain type of breed. Researchers could use genetic engineering to produce only the most vicious pit bulls and those dogs could be used for dogs fights or as guard dogs in dangerous parts of the world. There are advancements in bio technology that are meant to help our pets, and then there are those that would only be for human benefit. Scientists, for instance have genetically altered cows, so that they will produce more milk. There are many that feel animals are on the earth for human benefit. However, there are also those that fight for animal rights. Your opinion regarding the ethics of biotech research in regards to animals, would very much depend on where you stand with regard to animal rights.
Biotech research with animals has the possibility of helping both animals and humans. Bio technology can improve the health and lifespan of pets but it can also be used to alter the productivity of animals in the agricultural industry. The applications of bio technology and veterinary medicine are meant to improve the health of our companion animals. Research in the field of bio technology has found some success in curing cancer in dogs and in eliminating common problems associated with certain types of breeds, such as eye problems in Beagles.
Biotech research can produce cures for veterinary medicine that we may not otherwise discover. In striving to improve the lives of our companion animals, we must also remember to treat those animals we use in research humanely. If we don’t follow those principles, we eliminate the point of research meant to improve the quality of life for animals. Too often, scientists in the field of veterinary medicine treat animals in a disgusting manner and behave in a very hypocritical way. While we must realize that biotech research in the field of veterinary medicine is basically performed to sell food, medication or surgical procedures, we must also remember to think of the animals that we are trying to help.
