The Lantern’s article about animal experimentation was extremely misleading. The article made reference to laws which OSU must follow in its labs. The law that “protects” laboratory animals is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), passed in 1966.
However, the AWA offers absolutely no protection for birds, mice and rats. This exclusion was upheld by the U.S. government in 2002.
By OSU scientists’ own statements in The Lantern’s article, the vast majority of animals in their labs are mice and rats. Therefore, the vast majority of OSU lab animals are completely unprotected by laws and regulations. Nationwide, birds, rats and mice make up 95 percent of lab animals. This means only 5 percent of lab animals are protected nationwide.
You may not think that rodents and birds need protection. After all, they are just tiny pests; they are not beautiful creatures like primates. However, rats, mice and birds are capable of feeling pain and fear. As such, they need as much protection as primates, dogs, etc.
For more information on this issue, I recommend the American Anti-Vivisection Society Web page (www.aavs.org).
Kelly A’Neal junior in women’s studies
