Encyclopedia of animal rights and animal 52

Alternatives to Animal Experiments in the Life Sciences | 9
anatomical structure and function can be
enhanced through high-resolution images,
video clips, and animations available in
multimedia software. Virtual labs can illustrate the interplay between complex phenomena and related symptoms, and support
the development of problem-solving skills.
In true virtual reality (VR), clinical skills
and surgical procedures can be practiced in
a highly immersive environment, and even
the sense of touch—haptics—can be simulated. Just as an airline pilot trains using
flight simulators in order to be fully versed
in all likely scenarios, so must all students
and professionals who will be working
with patients achieve the required level of
mastery. Simulations can help guarantee
this.
Ethically Sourced Animal Cadavers
and Tissue All future veterinarians
will require hands-on experience with
animals and animal tissue. The use of
ethically sourced cadavers and tissue is
an alternative to the killing of animals
for dissection and surgery practice. The
term ethically sourced refers only to cadavers or tissue obtained from animals
who have died naturally or in accidents,
or who have been euthanized due to terminal disease or serious injury. Body donation programs can provide cadavers in
an ethical way.
Clinical Work with Animal Patients
Student access to clinical learning opportunities could be significantly increased
in order to replace animal experiments
and to better prepare students for their

professions. A progressive approach to
learning veterinary surgery might involve
mastering basic skills using non-animal
alternatives, then using ethically sourced
cadavers for experience with real tissue,

and finally performing supervised work
with animal patients. Shelter sterilization
programs are an important potential resource; students can observe, assist and
then perform castrations and spays. The
clinic can also teach many other skills that
the lab cannot, such as post-operative care
and supporting the recovery of patients,
reflecting a growing awareness that caring is a clinical skill.
Student Self-Experimentation For further experience of the whole, living body,
the consenting student is an excellent experimental animal, particularly for physiology classes. The intense involvement
and self-reference of such practical classes
makes them highly memorable and supports effective learning.
In Vitro Labs The rapid development
and uptake of in vitro technology in research and testing needs to be supported
by student familiarity with the technique.
Animal tissue and cells used for in vitro
practical classes can be sourced ethically, and within some biology practical
classes, the use of animal tissue can be
replaced directly with plant material.
Field Studies Students may study animals in a laboratory setting as a model
for nature, or they may face invasive or
otherwise harmful interactions with wild
animals. However, biology is not just experimentation, nor does its study require
harm. Studying animals within their

natural environment can be a particularly
rewarding alternative.
The use of the above replacement alternatives illustrates the potential of humane education to transform a negative
relationship between students and animals into a positive one.