Sacrificing Dogs in the Name of Science
Aria Miller
Aria Miller
Dogs are a man’s best friend, but turns out they can also be paired with science. Surgeons and medical researchers working for the Veteran Affairs (V.A.) have been experimenting, studying, and researching dogs in the hopes of discovering new methods to help returning veterans. The surgeries on the dogs have included severing dogs’ spinal cords, testing their cough reflexes, and operating on their hearts. The two main locations said to be participating are Richmond, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, and it is reported that they have tested on at least 97 dogs.
On the orders of Congress, General Michael Missal has begun investigating the research to see if the program is even worth keeping. Many people have heard of these surgeries and are outraged and angry, and they are all hoping that it comes to an end.
Hillgrove sophomore, Katie Knowles, said, “It is a complex issue that both sides could argue. The veterans that come home injured don’t always get the care they deserve, but I don’t think animals should suffer. I really think I would have to know more about the types of surgeries they do and if the animals were treated humanely.”
Knowles continued to say, “Unfortunately I don’t think people would care as much [if it was a different animal]. Animals that are considered lowly or of little importance such as rats and mice have been used for years in experiments. I think this gets more of a reaction out of people because dogs have a connotation of being cute and lovable. Nobody wants to imagine an animal like that in a lab.”
Another Hillgrove sophomore, Faith Jensen, commented, “I felt sad and mad for the dogs, and I think that most people feel that way.”
The V.A. claims that their research is still useful and efficient, and they usually tell the story of how in the 1960’s they made an implantable cardiac pacemaker by doing research on dogs. But it should be pointed out that they have not made any medical breakthroughs since.
Jensen responded, “If your only accomplishment was literally 60 years ago that’s totally outdated [to use as] justification. I agree with the lawmakers that using technology would be so much better and easier.”
Carissa Miller, an elementary student, who loves dogs said, “I do think it’s unethical because they’re dogs and a lot of people I know, and people in general, love dogs. I know that the V.A. owns them, but still they’re dogs and I don’t want to see them hurt.”
She continued to comment, “I think they started investigating because they’re working with dogs and no one knows what chemicals or medicines they’re putting inside the dogs.”
The investigation is still continuing and there has been no updated comments made by General Missal or the V.A. There are many petitions and animal abuse organizations that have been trying to put an end to the research.
On the orders of Congress, General Michael Missal has begun investigating the research to see if the program is even worth keeping. Many people have heard of these surgeries and are outraged and angry, and they are all hoping that it comes to an end.
Hillgrove sophomore, Katie Knowles, said, “It is a complex issue that both sides could argue. The veterans that come home injured don’t always get the care they deserve, but I don’t think animals should suffer. I really think I would have to know more about the types of surgeries they do and if the animals were treated humanely.”
Knowles continued to say, “Unfortunately I don’t think people would care as much [if it was a different animal]. Animals that are considered lowly or of little importance such as rats and mice have been used for years in experiments. I think this gets more of a reaction out of people because dogs have a connotation of being cute and lovable. Nobody wants to imagine an animal like that in a lab.”
Another Hillgrove sophomore, Faith Jensen, commented, “I felt sad and mad for the dogs, and I think that most people feel that way.”
The V.A. claims that their research is still useful and efficient, and they usually tell the story of how in the 1960’s they made an implantable cardiac pacemaker by doing research on dogs. But it should be pointed out that they have not made any medical breakthroughs since.
Jensen responded, “If your only accomplishment was literally 60 years ago that’s totally outdated [to use as] justification. I agree with the lawmakers that using technology would be so much better and easier.”
Carissa Miller, an elementary student, who loves dogs said, “I do think it’s unethical because they’re dogs and a lot of people I know, and people in general, love dogs. I know that the V.A. owns them, but still they’re dogs and I don’t want to see them hurt.”
She continued to comment, “I think they started investigating because they’re working with dogs and no one knows what chemicals or medicines they’re putting inside the dogs.”
The investigation is still continuing and there has been no updated comments made by General Missal or the V.A. There are many petitions and animal abuse organizations that have been trying to put an end to the research.
