By REBECCA WHITE
rebecca@du2.byu.edu
Despite the progress made with animal research, many animal rights activists would argue that there is always another way.
Jay Behrman, a Continuing Education professor at the University of Utah, said he feels animal research does not respect the rights of animals.
'I would not say that animal research does not provide benefits, but human research would provide even more benefits,' Behrman said. 'We don't believe that it is moral to test products on humans so we have forgone the benefits and slowed down science.'
Some BYU students agree.
'Although a lot of good has come from it I don't support it,' said Brandon Bonham, a senior from Draper majoring in accounting.
Most BYU students don't have this attitude, said Dr. Donovan Fleming, a professor of psychology.
Julie Foreman, a freshman from San Diego majoring in history, said, 'I think animal research is fine. If it's going to help people live, it's great. If someone just wants to hurt an animal, then that's wrong.'
'At this point, animals still provide a critical link to our understanding of animal and human functions that cannot be replicated by computer models,' said Dave Salyer, a psychology graduate student from Provo.
Scientists are finding alternative methods to animal research.
'These methods cannot replace all animal use, however, the more sophisticated methods can help reduce the need for animals in scientific inquiry,' said Dr. Donovan Fleming, a psychology professor.
Fleming acknowledged that animal activists have a point, but said, 'On the other hand, you can't take someone's child or an activist and fill him full of drugs just to see if they work.'