Animals have been the subject of research for centuries. Over the course of history there
have been several groups objecting to this use of animals for betterment of mankind,
however, the discoveries that have precipitated from animal research have had profound
enough impact on society that we have been able to rationalize the use of animals in this
way. 

Opposition to the use of animals for research began largely with secular philosophy in the
early 1800’s. Since that time societies view of animals have changed considerably. People
such as philosopher Jeremy Bentham and scientist Charles Darwin raised questions
concerning humans' moral regard of animals. After the 1876 British Cruelty to Animals Act
the major successes of research with animals put animals rights movements in this area on
the back burner. The opposition and activism surrounding animal rights and medical research
grew momentum again in the 1970’s with the publication of Peter Singer’s “Animal
Liberation.” Since this time several other people have had an impact concerning public
opinion of animal rights. Most notably Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall have brought a side of
animals believed to be nonexistent, emotion. Public opinion of animals and the rights they
should have has also changed as more and more people move away from farms and rural
settings. Many alternatives to animal research have been used in place of animal testing as
sympathy for animals has pushed the governments of many nations to place restrictions on
animal research.

Still, though, many scientists and researchers realize the importance of animal research and
possibility for human advancement has created a definite need for more research.

Below are some links to sites concerning animal rights and animal research:
               
History of Medical Research
Facts and Myths About History of Animal Research
Timeline of Animal Medical Research Events

Pro Medical Research Organizations
Americans for Medical Progress
Foundation for Biomedical Research
Incurably Ill for Animal Research

Organizations Against Medical Research with Animals
National Animal Interest Alliance
Link to an organization against medical research with animals
About the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
Organization opposing animal reseach

General Information
"Just the Facts" About Animal Research
Standards for Animal Care and Use for Psychological Research
"The Importance of Animal Research to Medical Discovery"
Outline of Debate over Animal Research
Animal Welfare and the Ethics of Animal Use

News/Media
Issues Surrounding Animal Rights
Site Devoted to Animal Research News