In toxicology tests non-human primates (NHPs) are selected as most suited to studies of neurology, behavior, reproduction, genetics and xenotransplantation (Wikipedia describes this as ‘the transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another’). They are also used in Aids tests. They are mainly purpose bred in USA, China and Europe but they are also caught in the wild or even gathered from zoos and circuses. There is great demand for them in laboratories as they are considered as being central to vaccine development and also Deep Brain Stimulation tests.

“Animal testing precedes human trials, but if we do not know whether the animal testing is relevant to the problem in humans, it will lose even minimal predictive value… the continued use of broad spectrum multi-strain /multi-species testing vividly shows that researchers do not actually know which laboratory results can be legitimately applied to humans”. Hugh LaFollette and Niall Shanks, Brute Science (London: Routledge, 1996) p 27

Read the rest of this entry »

Deer hunting Pennsylvania is teeming with wildlife especially when it comes to the white – tailed deer. This is so much so that the government had themselves set up a Game Commission to regulate the hunting of these animals. The primary preys to these hunts are the State animals themselves, including the white-tailed deer which has been recognized way back in 1959. This State animal is known to travel its way into every area where hunting has been a favorite past time among the locals.

The deer hunting program set up by the Game Commission of Pennsylvania has considered issues that arose from every side of the population. The issues that have been addressed propagate the rights of animals specifically the deer to breed and reproduce, recognizing the animal’s biological and environmental concerns. Initially, this commission was created to moderate every aspect of hunting among locals to minimize if not to diminish completely the outrages of conservative groups primarily concerned with animal cruelty. This way, a balance of beliefs as well as tradition among residents and hunters alike is preserved and protected.

Read the rest of this entry »