Animals have been raised for the purpose of food for centuries, if not millennia. It is often said that you should not curse the hand that feeds you, yet it is possible that this is exactly what is happening in the United States. Animal Rights groups have been portraying a possibly biased picture of what occurs during Animal Science education, which is learning about the production and care-taking of animals. They may truthfully say what occurs, or tell about methods used, but to the average American, the manner in which they portray these methods could possibly sound cruel and unusual. Animal Rights activists, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), have been causing major changes in methods and techniques used in animal education, involving areas of research, production, and care-taking procedures.

        Research could be the most critical part of medical advancement. Universities around the world conduct vigorous research that has led treatments for cancer, penicillin, and many other medicines. However, these benefits have not been seen as advancement by everyone. Activists, such as the group Animal Liberation Front, have become malicious and destructive, even to the point of sabotage. In 1999, the Animal Liberation Front broke into several laboratories at the University of Minnesota and ruined lab equipment, stole lab animals, such as rats, mice, and salamanders, and painted graffiti on the walls of the buildings. Damages were estimated to be over $750,000, including set back of research. The criminals responsible for the atrocity were caught on tape, wearing masks, and pursued by an investigation led by the FBI and local law enforcement (Thomas 1). Such acts of violence may prove to be very detrimental to, not research, but the education behind it all. Students most likely find it very hard to concentrate on their research or topic of study when their labs are under siege.

Join now!

        The production aspect of animal science is much more susceptible to potential confrontations with animal rights activists. At Clemson University, coveralls and solid rubber boots, each precisely described to meet requirements, must be worn at all times. Boots must be washed before and after entering the barn or other areas where livestock are held. This is not to prevent human disease, but to prevent contamination of the herd (McConnell). This could be a good method of controlling what elements are allowed into the animals’ environment; however, it is very hard, even with these precautions, to prevent some type of contamination. ...

This is a preview of the whole essay