May15
Protection for Rats and Mice: Front-Page News
Posted at 10:15 PM | Permalink
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Comments (74)
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Shockingly, even though rats and mice comprise more than 95 percent of the animals used in experiments, they are specifically excluded from the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the only federal law that protects animals in laboratories. According to the U.S. government, in its infinite wisdom, rats and mice (as well as birds and "cold-blooded" animals) are not "animals." (It's nonsensical, we know.)
That's why PETA has been doing end-runs around the worthless AWA by going straight to the companies that are required to test their products and pointing out the benefits of using effective and humane alternatives. We also monitor the various government agencies' testing programs and object every time we learn about a proposed test on animals that is redundant or for which non-animal alternatives are available. By doing this, we have been able to get dozens of tests on animals stopped (or the number of animals used greatly reduced), which has saved tens of thousands of animals' lives.
We think it's about time that our elected officials thought about rats and mice, don't you? Send a message to your members of Congress demanding that rats and mice be treated like the sensitive animals (not vegetables or minerals) they are.
Posted by Alisa Mullins
TAGGED:
Comments
Animal testing is sooooo cruel! I personally resent this because I own a hamster, and I think rats and mice are cute, and share human characteristics. Make the pain stop, not just for rodents, but for the sake of other labratory tested animals!
Posted by: jen | May 16, 2009 10:09 AM
Where in the AWA does it state that mice and rats are excluded? I was looking for the information and could not find it. Any help is appreciated!
Posted by: Carrah Torrence | May 16, 2009 11:04 AM
This is wonderful news. Thank you, Peta, you standing up for these wonderful animals. I adopted two wonderful rats that were former lab "experiments". I love them with all my heart. These animals deserve to live in peace! They are not "experimental tools"-they are feeling beings, just like all creatures. I am opposed to all animal testing. GO VEGAN!
Posted by: KATHLEEN W. | May 16, 2009 11:22 AM
I LOVE MICE & RATS! I believe that anyone who abuses them or considers them worthless is pure evil.
Posted by: Gina | May 16, 2009 12:37 PM
nice! i have 2 rats and their awesome.
Posted by: ZB | May 16, 2009 04:35 PM
omg. im 13 i have 4 rats and there my world i love them there so loveing .....
Posted by: alexis | May 16, 2009 06:46 PM
Rats and mice are precious animals who, like all animals have feelings and feel pain. It is cruel to suject these creatures to experiments that make them suffer- often on an ongoing basis. As concerned and caring citizens it is our DUTY to be the voice of compassion for these helpless animals since they are unable to speak for themselves.
Posted by: Camien Gertz | May 16, 2009 09:08 PM
High Five NY times AND Peta! These little guys are animals and need the same protection as all the rest.
Posted by: carla | May 17, 2009 10:21 AM
I can't believe that mice and other cold-blooded animals wouldn't be classified as "animals." If they're not animals then what are they? Things? That's just ridiculous!
Posted by: Bianca Santiago | May 17, 2009 03:38 PM
ohmygod, thats aful!People dont ever care about rodents, its not fare! mice and rats probably arnt counted in the amount of killings so that it wont look so extreme. what they do to animals is inhumane and cruel!
Posted by: bna | May 17, 2009 06:04 PM
I think that animal testing is the most hoorible of torture. All animals including rats and mice should not have to undergo such experiments in this day and age. There are other scientific ways to test products.
Posted by: Tonya Nance | May 17, 2009 09:04 PM
Great article in the WSJ!
Posted by: Curtis | May 18, 2009 02:02 AM
Great that the little animals are making big news. Many people have been duped into believing animal experimentation is necessary and benefits humans, which we know is absolute nonsense. We must push hard for nothing short of a complete end to torturing any animal in a lab. Let's skip the small steps of better protection, calls for animal welfare, etc., and just get to the point: no more animal testing. Period. Let's put the monsters that do this "research" out of work.
Posted by: Jamie Rivet | May 18, 2009 05:00 AM
dude animal testing is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad because... well it just is.
Posted by: swanson_56 | May 18, 2009 10:04 AM
What beautiful comments! I don't believe I read an unkind one and everyone points to the fact that these are sentient, feeling creatures who deserve the same treatment as any other animals. Shame on Congress for exluding them from this "supposed" blanket of protection which sadly I don't believe is truly being implemented anyways.
Posted by: suzana Megles | May 18, 2009 10:25 AM
I HAVE A PET RAT NAMED MILO THIS MAKES ME VERY UPSET AT ALL OF THIS I LOVE PETA I MADE A 200 NUMBER POTISION I AM SENTDING TO STEPHEN HARPER ABOUT THE SEAL HUNT !!!!!! I AM SO MAD
Posted by: brooke | May 18, 2009 12:38 PM
I´m from germany and have see the video on youtube. it´s so cruel what is make with animals. I have four rats,there are my best friends. i love there. and experiments withanimals are so stupid!!!
Posted by: Esther | May 18, 2009 01:12 PM
I am so glad that they are having their front-page news in such an important paper. I love all animals and I'm glad people have been trying to stop testing. But I'm even more glad that they care about the rats as well, since as they said, they are the animas that are mostly tested. The other day I asked my mother If I could have a Hamster and she said "I don't want that disgusting rat thing in my house!" I got mad at my mom and told her they are not disgusting, they are animals. Just like us. Which is what people don't seem to realize either. Humans feel so empowered over the animal kingdom when really, they're scared of them. They're scared the other animals will take over us because they are stronger. We are animals too so our instinct is to protect what's ours. But some people are more ignorant about it. God bless the animals.
Posted by: Daniela | May 18, 2009 01:19 PM
Why should we exclude rats and mice....if it was a dog or cat people would jump all over it?And how are rats and mice not considered animals,they can see,feel,and hear,just like any other animal.why do people like to pick on thing smaller than them?:(
Posted by: faith garmany | May 18, 2009 01:26 PM
Researchers and their allies like to experiment on rats and mice because they are so similar to us. Then in the real world we are supposed to hate rats and mice because they are supposedly so menacing and different from us. In enlightened India there is a temple that reveres rats.
Posted by: Brien Comerford | May 18, 2009 08:49 PM
all you people are very, very un education people, you need special, special help. And learn that all the medication that you and any family members and friends take was experiment on a rat/ mice first. Can you explain when new drugs come out WHO IS GOING TO EXPERIMENT FIRST, is it you or someone that you love. If there other ways of testing of drugs in this country please I will like to know.
Posted by: amy | May 18, 2009 08:50 PM
I AM 13. I HAVE 3 RATS AND LOVE THEM SO MUCH! THEY HAVE A HUGE CAGE, TALLER AND WIDER THAN ME, AND THEY RUN AROUND OUTSIDE AND INSIDE WITH US SOMETIMES! THEY ALL HAVE SUCH GREAT PERSONALITIES! I LOVE HOW THEY WAIT AT THE FROM OF THEIR CAGE FOR ME EACH DAY AFTER SCHOOL FOR A CUDDLE! LOVE YOU PETA!
Posted by: ella | May 19, 2009 03:16 AM
Finally! I am doing a persuasive speech to stop animal testing, and this page really helps! It is not fair how they dont include the most valuable animal to testing in this act. I think even the AWA act isn't even monitored, and animals included in the AWA are still treated unfairly as it is!
Posted by: Mimi. | May 19, 2009 10:49 AM
A recommendation to those who are opposed to animal testing, even in the case of scientific research (and by scientific research I'm not talking about whether the latest blueberry-scented bath product causes hives, but discovery-oriented, hypothesis-driven scientific research): donate your extra bits to science when you die. Really. There are a lot of questions scientists would rather examine using, for example, human brains than those of rats, if only they could access them. Brain banks for the purposes of research - whether it be on normal function or neurological disease and injury - exist. But so few people are willing to part with organs they don't need anymore that only a tiny fraction of scientists can switch from examining animal models to examining the real thing. You want fewer animals in labs? How about PETA makes a comment or two along the lines of: 'Will the parts of your body that can't be transplanted into other people to scientific research.' Your otherwise soon-to-be-decomposing carcass could save lives. It's easy. It's painless. You'll never even notice anything's missing. And it would have a greater effect on the use of animals in laboratories than what's been tried thus far.
Posted by: Ag | May 20, 2009 12:20 AM
TO those touchy feely folks who are so personally concerned about the 'poor' lab animals...
WELL a little reality here.. they should all volunteer to PROVIDE their bodies for the medical experimentation to develop and provide protection for the human race.
OTHERWISE --- GROWUP FACE THE REAL WORLD ---
Posted by: harry | May 20, 2009 12:24 PM
would you rather them test your kids?
Posted by: sally joe | May 20, 2009 03:24 PM
I remember legitimate experiments with mice and sugar diabetes as some lab mice are raised to present that disease for study. However, since I was a child I have always kept several female mice at a time as beloved pets. Females are not prone to fighting and are amusing and loving little creatures that appreciate clean living, water, food and a little human food from time to time. They are glad to see me daily and look forward to my holding them, comtemplating them, and playing with them. I eat non pork meat sparingly but I have a deep respect for animals. A domesticated animal depends upon humans to care for it and to be its friend. I do not have the time for dogs or cats as I have a busy schedule and 3 small children. However, mice have always been my pets. When for a time I was involved with sugar diabetes research w/mice that were bred to present the disease and the notations were taken I humanely killed the mice with pentobarbital and an 18 gage needle. Some animal research is required but there is no justification for allowing the animals to suffer needlessly. They have a life span of 1 to 2 years. Whenever, I get a pregnant mouse by accident I have a separate habitat for her to birth and raise her babies. I then take the tame young mice to the shelter where I pay $20.00 for them to be placed or adopted. Young tame mice are very much desired. All of God's creatures are worthy of respect and kindness. Ishna Allah.
Posted by: Muhammad, M.D. | May 20, 2009 09:58 PM
ag the lab animals didnt volunteer so shut up you toss pot
Posted by: Ph | May 21, 2009 08:48 AM
ella, you shouldn't be caging up your pets inside of a cage. That is restricting their rights. Mimi, even though you can get a lot of stuff for your research paper on this site, I wouldn't use it because it's not a "scholarly" site, and you may not get credit for the paper. Finally, Ph, what's a "toss pot"?
Posted by: John | May 21, 2009 10:36 AM
Ph: I made no mention of animals volunteering. I didn't take any position on either side of the 'don't use lab animals for research' debate. I simply suggested that anybody who'd like to reduce the number of animals used in research could do so by donating tissues (post-mortem) to science. Either I need to work on my communication skills, or you're attributing somebody else's ('harry's'?) comment to me. Note that the name of the person who posted the comment appears BELOW the comment, not above.
And, just out of curiosity, what does 'toss pot' mean, anyway?
Posted by: Ag | May 21, 2009 12:17 PM
God Bless the little critters. They're as cute as they can be......... except when they bite. But how hard can a little guy with teeth the size of my baby toenail getcha anyway? It don't hurt.
Please, SAY NO TO ANIMAL TESTING!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Saucy | May 22, 2009 05:16 PM
Ag,
Your condenscending comment about how PETA should make a "comment or two" about organ donation is testament to your ARROGANCE with regards to the Animal Kingdom.
I do hope your "research" is more thorough when writing your, what do you call them, hypothises conducted upon the innocent creatures that inhabit your torture chamber.
Posted by: Saucy | May 22, 2009 05:57 PM
i love rodents.
rats, mice, hamsters...
and the fact that people torture these poor animals pains me. i hope people leave these precious animals alone and let them live in peace.
my hamsters are so special.
Posted by: emily | May 22, 2009 10:03 PM
Poor things! What did they every do?!!! Those losers just want control of EVERYTHING! greedgreed and more greed. I have a mouse, she is so sweet, rat/mice (and all animals) are very sweet and always clean. When one of my mice died, the others knew what happened, they all wouldn't take treats, and the spent all night morning.
Posted by: Val | May 23, 2009 06:07 PM
Dear Harry and Amy,
You know the fact is that we already do test new drugs on people. And animal tests are so unreliable they make those human trials all the more risky. There are significant physiological differences between different species which means animal tests are only accurate predictors 5-25% of the time. Tossing a coin would be more reliable.
At my University there are often requests for human volunteers to take part in tests.
In earlier times scientists believed that they had no choice but to use animals to find cures for human disease. But the consensus is changing and forward thinking scientists now agree that experimenting on animals to study human disease is like trying to get from San Francisco to New York using a map of Australia. You’ve got a map. You think you are doing something useful, but you just can’t do it. Scientists have now developed an array of faster, more reliable cheaper tests that don’t harm anybody. Some of these are TOPCAT a soft ware program that predicts skin and oral toxicity, now being used by the food and drug administration, the environmental protection agency and the US army.
According to the British medical journal Feb 2004 little evidence actually exists to support the view that animal researchers actually contributed to the treatment of human disease. They say that improved nutrition and sanitation standards and other behavioural environmental factors not animal experiments are responsible for increased life expectancy and many of the most important discoveries can be attributed to studies of humans including the link between cholesterol and heart disease and the link between smoking and cancer.
Would you support an experiment that would sacrifice 1000 animals but you’d save a child? Well, I think you would agree that it would be wrong to sacrifice one unwilling human for the greater good of others. Right? If experimenting on one mentally challenged orphan might benefit 1000 children we still wouldn’t do it. Many animals have the same intelligence as a 2 year old child and all animals have the same capacity to feel pain and suffering as we do. Many people justify experimentation on animals based on the supposed inferior intelligence of animals, but if that’s ok wouldn’t experimenting on humans who have so-called inferior mental capabilities also be acceptable?
Posted by: Linda Dicmanis | May 23, 2009 09:06 PM
I think its awful that nobody seems to care about these animals.They feel pain just like we do.
If we need to test then why not do it on Humans? We have a choice they don't.
Animals weren't put solely on this Planet for us to Abuse.
It's about time people took action.
Posted by: Emma Reed | May 25, 2009 01:31 PM
Hey PETA, is it possible to add rats and mice in the AWA?
Thanks kindly.
Posted by: David | May 26, 2009 04:53 AM
We have cancelled our subscription to the National Geographic magazine after it advertised, in its April 2008 issue, the Jackson Laboratory, producing genetically modified mice for animal testing
Posted by: Lena | May 26, 2009 10:38 AM
Cold blooded animals arn't classed as animals? I own a snake but i feed mice out of necessity that have been humanly killed.
Posted by: james | May 26, 2009 12:39 PM
While I think cosmetic testing on animals is unnecessary and should probably be stopped, certain medical tests, such as the testing of vaccines or other drugs is necessary. Computer models can't fully take the place of animal tests in these instances and therefore they should continue.
Posted by: Tom | May 26, 2009 02:21 PM
i really really hate animal testing. i own 2 pet rats and have had 3 in the past. they are the smartest, cutest gorgous creatures i could ever ask for. i love them to pieces and it is totally wrong to do tests on rats and mice. i would happily put myself in their place any day, the poor things dont get a chance and are so scared:(.
Posted by: Essa O'Connor | May 28, 2009 07:33 AM
I knew a girl who had a pet rat and you never met such a funny little animal in your life. Friendly, funny, just doing 'rat' things like storing food under the couch cushions. Good for you, PETA, to go to bat for them (and all the animals). I continue to support you.
Posted by: Kathleen Roe | May 28, 2009 03:09 PM
We had a pet rat which we affectionately named Nicky, and Nicky loved our Irish Setter dog Molly. Nicky would hang with Molly when he was out of his aquarium, and would walk all over her when she was laying down. We had just as much affection for Nicky as we did for Molly, and it was very apparant they loved each other. When an animal is capable of showing affection, I do believe they have other feelings as well. Let's show them that we are compassionate human beings, by respecting their right to life.
Posted by: Bridget Palecek | May 28, 2009 04:04 PM
The fact that these poor animals are used in labs is horrible. Rats are really smart! I own a pair of rats and a mouse. Mice are interactive and playful. I can't believe scientists would play with innocent lives. It is up to people to speak for these small lovable animals. I'm sure they don't enjoy pain
Posted by: Avery | May 28, 2009 04:13 PM
I don't understand why anyone would want to test on animals. There are so many alternatives.
Many universities still use animals. One in particular is Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
In addition to using mice, they still use cats & dogs.
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AGAINST DALHOUSIE:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-dalhousie-university-from-murdering-dogs-and-puppies
Posted by: Amy S | May 28, 2009 04:53 PM
hi im marybeth and im 10. I love all animals and i got a pet rat for my b-day. Her name is boo. Other than their tails, they are pretty cute!!
Posted by: Marybeth | May 28, 2009 05:24 PM
Animal testing is invalid to humans. With today's modern technology, there is no excuse to continue this charade. Both animals and people are dying at the hands of greedy industries whose only concern is money. It is time to ban the medieval ritual of animal experimentation once and for all!
Posted by: Gene | May 28, 2009 06:05 PM
I started tearing up watching the video. I have 2 rats as pets. I love them dearly. I'm a vegetarian because of my love for animals. My solution on testing is to use death row inmates. They have committed crimes guilty of death. why not experiment on them?? As apposed to innocent rats and for that matter ANY animal who is at the mercy of inhumane humans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kristi | May 28, 2009 06:07 PM
ALL life is sacred - not just human life. I refuse to kill rats and mice which come into the house, and think Ratsac and mouse traps an abomination. However, here is the problem. I never have rats and mice invading very often, because I have a couple of cats!! I think this is also cruel, but what is the alternative? I have reascued a few mice when the cats bring them into the house - live - and put them in my big shed which the cats cannot enter. The other question is: Can we just allow mice to take over our cupboards? They can make a real mess.
Posted by: Audrey Robb | May 28, 2009 08:11 PM
Brian said: all you people are very, very un education people
That tells all us 'un education people' a lot more about you that you think, Brian. But, you probably have no idea what I mean ...
Posted by: Centayne | May 28, 2009 08:44 PM
I agree that animal testing for frivolous purposes (i.e. cosmetic) is reprehensible, but in truth there are not many alternatives for scientists trying to save lives, since mice share a huge amount of DNA with humans, and have the advantage of quick reproduction that the scientists can control. People against using mice in labs should consider that 1) lab animals are actually treated and fed MUCH better than livestock and many pets, 2) their pain IS considered, and procedures always minimize their suffering, and 3) you will realize your selfish hypocrisy when your mother dies of Parkinson's or you yourself are suffering from a disease that can best be researched by animal testing.
No one *enjoys* using these animals, but they are treated as well as possible, and result in so many human lives saved: lives of people that could potentially become the next president, great inventor, doctor, Gandhi, or revolutionary. No matter what, the impact of a mouse's life is never going the same impact as a human's could. The benefits outweight the costs.
Posted by: Wendy | May 28, 2009 09:51 PM
I own a hamster, Krisna Dasa is his name, is a lovely animal which has enormous coincidences with the human perception of things, I can not understand why on earth they cannot be included by the AWA. I usually observe my hamster and I am convinced these animals look for love and what is more, my Krishna Dasa has much more intelligence than many people think normally
Posted by: miren | May 29, 2009 04:24 AM
For many years I have kept a small number of white footed and field mice. They are clearly as sentient as people. It astounds me that a 'civilized' society treats the life and death of mice (and most other non-pets) with such apathy and/or lack of empathy. Hopefully your effort here is a sign of progress.
Posted by: Roger Emerick | May 29, 2009 09:06 AM
im not a rodent lover but i think all animals have a right to not being treated cruelly and lab testing is horrible please end messing with animals! theres got to be better ways then using animals! with the tecnology and studies weve learned from in the past! they have rights were not the only creature put on this earth wake up companys!! rob rondanini
Posted by: rob rondanini | May 29, 2009 02:44 PM
I am anti-vivisection and have noticed that many lab.assistants are female. Child-bearing, like dentistry, has become pain-free these days. Women demand anaesthetically induced labour for instance. How then can they justify their actions in submitting sentient animals to endure pain without anaesthetics?
Posted by: Mollie Tucker | May 29, 2009 10:42 PM
Hooray for all the lives you've saved! I hope that reasonable people will see rats and mice are more than lab equipment. I can say from experience rats make wonderful pets!
Posted by: Kristina | May 30, 2009 12:44 AM
They ae alive they feel
Posted by: Lorii Hernandez | May 30, 2009 01:46 AM
Stop experiment on live animals ,there are modern technology,humane alternatives.
And then....
Silvia
italia
Posted by: SILVIA | May 30, 2009 10:19 AM
It is Horrible Torture.
Now, Imagine working as one of thoose scientist's or just as a worser in such factory. God. I would feel so, so, f**ked up.
And a thing to thoose who do it, Or the scientist:
Test it on YOURSELF! Not the poor animals.
Posted by: Rawr. :* | May 30, 2009 12:59 PM
i love u peta how u safe the lives of animals and ware people what companys do to animals
I LOVE U PETA!!!
Posted by: Veronica | May 30, 2009 02:49 PM
Centayne, If you read up on animal experimentation you will find that it actually leads to inaccurate results, posing a danger to humans. Therefore, it is unethical and unscientific. PETA should stay away from animal welfare arguments (ie. making animal exploitation more humane) as it works against what we are trying to achieve in the longer term - complete abolition of animal use.
Posted by: Debbie Howell | May 30, 2009 10:36 PM
it is only a matter of money.
cowards!
Vincenzo
italia
Posted by: vincenzo | May 31, 2009 10:49 AM
The experiments, on live animals are a crimine
Tiziana
italia
Posted by: tiziana | June 1, 2009 05:21 AM
I believe that people who do experiments on live animals are people without dignity
There are alternative methods, they must use them!
Stop the suffering to animals
Giovanna
italia
Posted by: giovanna | June 1, 2009 11:13 AM
It is cruel! Rats and mice do not have to undergo test!
Posted by: Cindy | June 2, 2009 07:18 AM
I believe that people who do experiments on live animals are people without dignity and feelings!
There are alternative methods, they must use them!
Stop the suffering to animals now!!
Posted by: lindsey | June 6, 2009 08:18 AM
Yes, Protection they need. Its so cruel. we support it.
Posted by: Barbara | June 7, 2009 07:21 PM
It is terrible rats and mice are excluded from the Animal Welfare Act. They are animals that deserve protection. While experiments have been successful in uncovering useful medicine, surely there is a more humane way to test drugs on animals. Furthermore, with no laws enforcing ethical experimental behaviour, scientists are free to handle these poor creatures any way they wish. Animals were not put on this Earth for our use, we need to protect them and make certain there are laws keeping them safe. Good for you PETA for making the public aware of such malicious behaviour.
Posted by: Lisa | June 9, 2009 10:25 PM
I work in a university lab with mice and rats and can tell you that many of the scenes featured in the video (eg., no anesthetic, a clearly sick looking animal) would be considered unacceptable there. Yes, it's animal testing--but it is an Animal Care and Use Committee requirement that we do as much as possible to provide a humane environment and do everything possible to minimize suffering or pain experienced by the animals at every stage of the process. They are definitely more well cared for than what I've ever seen on, say, a factory farm. We also have a vet that may be called if there is a problem that cannot be handled in the course of their normal weekly health exams.
There are many experimental manipulations and behavioral measures that simply cannot be performed in a better way at this time. Yes, some physiological processes are more translatable to humans and some are not. It just depends on what you're looking at.
I don't think I could ever demonize mice or rats again though. They're definitely their own creatures (not really their fault they can become disease vectors in the wild or that they raid poorly kept Chinese buffets at night...the latter is a smart move on their part!)...and I think I'd love to keep a rodent as a pet.
Posted by: LD | June 26, 2009 01:23 AM
Poor, little, innocent animals!
Animal Lover <3
Posted by: Lara, Slovenia | June 30, 2009 01:25 PM
I HATE animal testing! I had mice and they were the best pets i ever had!
Posted by: Claudia Wetzel | September 14, 2009 05:17 PM
The first panelist would be introduced by the announcer following the show's introduction, and each panelist would introduce the next in turn, with the last introducing Daly. ,
Posted by: Ganry78 | October 10, 2009 11:51 AM
That was a punch in the mouth. ,
Posted by: Sad34 | October 22, 2009 02:32 AM
I have 4 rodents in my home, 2 of them being mice. The other 1 is a bunny. I love tiny little critters and would beat anyone up who messes with them.
1 word.. heartless.
Posted by: Jonni | November 4, 2009 06:14 PM