A Stone of Heart: A Title Alteration
No Compass. No Bounds. Here's the Deal:
Holding steady between 20k and 30k critters, the animal lab at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, remains a contentious subject. As Eva Nimtschek, a chap from the local Doctors Against Animal Experiments (ÄgT), puts it, "We got no darn clue how many critters kick the bucket here yearly, 'cause there ain't no public figure on that." The demand's clear, "University, for the love of all that's precious, be a champion for animal-free research and learning."
Renowned researchers and heavyweight firms are stepping back from animal testing, but HHU's yet to step up to the plate with a chair dedicated to animal-free technology. "Set it up in Düsseldorf, for crissakes, it's the least you can do," handful of protesters mutter.
The letter, which also landed on Mayor Stephan Keller's desk, screams, "Each suffering critter's pain is everlasting, and their basic needs are neglected." Global scientists and researchers in the animal-free tech field are networking, famous faces are turning their backs on animal testing, many nations are nurturing exit plans. "And yet, here we are, HHU," the letter snarls.
Last April, the university's dental clinic earned the ÄgT's dreaded "Heart of Stone" award. Critics claim the clinic extracted teeth and drilled holes into Beagles' jaws. A trio of surgical procedures were conducted before the hapless dogs were capped. "The aim?A tooth-y jawbone, despite the significant differences in dental structures, jaw constructions, bones, and musculatures between humans and dogs."
A fuss was raised in July, when the university defended its animal testing practices to the Rheinische Post. Their arguments went something like this:
- Animal testing is irreplaceable. The progress and development of new treatments rely on it. No PCs or petri dishes are a match for it. Animal testing opponents are just flat-out ignorant to the fact that millions have been healed in Germany alone, thanks to recent medical advancements.
- All projects are okayed by an independent board and with the help of an animal welfare panel.
- This oversight includes ensuring the proper treatment of test animals and their transportation. A recent check in late May turned up clean.
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing aren't happening at the HHU.
- In light of the advancements in the field of health-and-wellness, particularly animal-free technology, it's disconcerting that the university, despite the worldwide shift away from animal testing, continues to employ such practices, as evident in their defense of animal testing.
- The science community is making significant strides in the development of animal-free research methods for medical-conditions, yet the university remains resistant, continuing to subject animals to procedures that questionable ethical standards, as illustrated by the 'Heart of Stone' award received by the dental clinic.
