JOIN USAnimal dissection should be banned, say experts
Should dissection of animals by life science students be discontinued completely or not? Are the alternative learning devices as good as dissection? These were some of the few topics discussed at the seminar on ‘Alternatives to use of animals in life science education’ hosted by AET college.
In recent years, several autonomous colleges have drastically reduced the number of vivisection for their life science students. However, it is still compulsory for colleges affiliated to Bangalore University.
But several professors also noted that a blanket ban on dissection would be a drastic step. “We never went overboard, even when we performed vivisection of animals that are banned now. However, authorities should provide us an alternative which is as good as dissection,” said Zoology professor of a prominent City college.
Use of models and software were the alternatives suggested at the conference. But several professors noted that the alternatives are often not affordable for colleges that survive on government funds. “Dissection equips with students with skills which might be useful for them, if they want to pursue research after their studies. Giving a xerox copy of the anatomy of an earthworm or a leech will not help a life science student much,” noted another senior professor.
The dissection of animals was introduced in Indian universities in the 1920s. Due to the petitions filed by numerous groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and CUPA, various universities have already implemented regulations regarding dissecting animals in their labs.
Some of the alternatives suggested by the experts were visits to museums, biodiversity parks which would introduce students to the habitats of the animals.