Animal Rights Activism: Enough Is Enough

Date: November 23, 1992 A major goal of all animal rights activists is to stop the use of animals in scientific research, no matter how humanely it is conducted or how many human or animal lives would be saved or enhanced by it. The only differences among the various animal rights groups are the tactics and timetables for achieving that goal. Guided by what they consider a higher ethic, some animal rights zealots will use any means, including terrorism, to accomplish their objectives. The climate of fear generated by these activists has dissuaded many scientists from speaking out and thereby becoming targets of their often-violent behavior. Despite the threat it poses to scientific research, the animal rights movement today is stronger than ever. Activists not only have launched approximately 400 local and national groups, but also have infiltrated such traditionally well-regarded organizations as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), both of which now aggressively support animal rights. Organizations in the United States now have roughly 10 million members who would like to see, for example, an end to the patenting of genetically altered animals. With a steady barrage of letters to Congress--more letters than any other single advocacy group--they relentlessly pressure lawmakers to increase restrictions on the use of lab animals and to decrease research funding for scientists who use them. To fund their activities, the animal rights groups have developed an extremely effective method of raising money--often by vilifying a scientist or research project and soliciting financial support to stop one or the other. Thus, fund-raising and indoctrination go hand in hand. In 1989, they sent out 239 different direct-mail solicitations, raising approximately $300 million and making them the nation's third-largest direct-mail solicitation category. In 1990 the number of these solicitations grew 73 percent, to 413. Their campaign is working: In 1985, 63 percent of the American public supported the use of dogs and primates in research that would result in significant health benefits to humans; in 1990, only 50 percent did. Currently, according to a Gallup poll, 67 percent of American teenagers support animal rights, including bans on all laboratory and medical tests that use animals. Perhaps of greatest concern is the animal rights propaganda that is increasingly directed at children, subtly concealed in otherwise worthy environmental messages and proffered by such organizations as HSUS. Even the time-honored Weekly Reader presented in its April 10, 1992, issue for second-graders a misleading animal rights-biased piece entitled "Should Animals Be Used To Test New Medicines?" Given the size, wealth, and growing influence of the animal rights movement, scientists must move swiftly and authoritatively to counter its misinformation. The public does not realize how extensively medical science relies on animals and animal products for developing new treatments as well as for ongoing basic medical care and vaccine production. It's up to scientists to set the record straight. Let your university or company know that this is a crucially important science education issue. Suggest that your organization put more energy and money into pro-active programs supporting not only animal research, but also K-12 science education efforts. Speak to the public about your work, and be sure to stress the important role played by animals or animal products. Point out the humane treatment lab animals receive and the extensive regulations that are in place to ensure their good care. And join in the political process. Your representatives in government need to know how important animal research, testing, and products are to the rapidly growing biotechnology industry and the thousands of new jobs it is creating. Whatever form it takes, your involvement is needed now. Patrick H. Cleveland is associate adjunct professor of ophthalmology at the University of California, San Diego, and president of the San Diego chapter of the Coalition for Animals and Animal Research.

Animal Rights Activism: Enough Is Enough

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