Every Animal’s Life is Worth Saving
As we end the use of animals in science, where will the animals currently in suffering in laboratories go? Who will provide for these animals once they are free from research and testing?
The sad truth is, more often than not, animals used in research are euthanized once they are no longer needed for experiments or breeding.
These former “research tools” are all-too-infrequently placed into sanctuaries after research has ended. In those rare instances when an appropriate sanctuary is sought or a university is willing to make animals available for adoption, financial resources are needed to provide veterinary care, housing or transport.
Our compassion for animals cannot end at the laboratory door. Every animal’s life is worth saving. No animal should be subjected to abandonment, neglect or cruel exploitation. Dogs, cats, nonhuman primates and other animals used in research deserve the chance to live out the remainder of their lives as nature intended.
Of course, that the best way to end the suffering of animals used in science is to end animal testing and experimentation altogether. But while we fight this bigger battle, animals shouldn’t needlessly die along the way.
Until such a time as the archaic and cruel animal experiments are a thing of the past, we must ensure the retirement of adoptable research animals to homes when appropriate. And in the case of animals such as primates, efforts should be made for their retirement to appropriate facilities that are specially equipped for providing rehabilitation, socialization and enrichment.
As Nature Intended
For animals awaiting their chance for a life after the lab, an accredited sanctuary is a lifeline—their chance to finally live their lives as nature intended. But how does an animal go from a life of fear and isolation behind closed laboratory doors to one of peace and happiness in a true safe haven? And what role do NAVS and our supporters play in this life-saving transition?
Click here to learn the story.