From The Times
September 1, 2005

Animal testing

From Dr Rudolf Cardinal

Sir, Mr Adolfo Sansolini (letter, August 27) says that animal researchers fear an open debate about animal experimentation. Yet they publish their methods and results openly in scientific journals. It is more likely that they are reticent about the details of their Home Office licences for the same reason that prime ministers are reticent about the details of their summer holiday: they do not fear open debate with law-abiding citizens who oppose their work, but rather attack by terrorists acting in the name of this opposition.

Reducing animal experimentation is an admirable goal, and one shared by researchers. Yet without it our society would not be able to provide our current standard of healthcare and drug safety, or develop new treatments for many diseases. Illness in oneself or loved ones focuses the mind on ends, not means. Perhaps people should routinely be offered the opportunity to decline treatments developed using animal research. I have yet to meet a patient of mine who refused treatment on these grounds.

Economists refer to the principle of revealed preference: we should judge by what people do, not what they say.

RUDOLF CARDINAL
Cambridge