Types of Research

Military and Space

Two of the most recognized agencies that practice vivisection are the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In the fiscal year 2001, 330,149 animals, including birds, cats, dogs, ferrets, fish, goats, marine mammals, mice, pigs, primates, rabbits, rats, and sheep, were used in military and space related experiments, according to the DoD, and this total does not include animals used for breeding. Given the increased interest in bio-defense and infectious disease research after September 11, 2001, the numbers of animals used by the DoD have likely increased since then, although it is impossible to know for sure, since the DoD no longer makes its reports available for public viewing. Despite such extensive use of animals, often in painful and distressful experiments, government agencies such as the DoD have no oversight ensuring that their laboratory facilities are operating in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.

Military Research

The United States military uses taxpayers’ dollars to fund animal experiments that are aimed at furthering the development of new weapons, bio-terrorism tactics, and infectious disease control. The military conducts animal experimentation in nearly all aspects of its research, but critics argue that much of the research is overly cruel, redundant, misdirected, and poorly controlled.

For example, mice, monkeys, and dogs are frequently used for research involving radiation and disease control. The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Maryland conducted two experiments to observe the effects of radiation. In one of the studies, nine rhesus monkeys were exposed to total body irradiation. Within two hours, six of the nine were hypersalivating and vomiting, and eventually died. The second experiment was similar but was performed on 17 beagles who were killed upon completion of the study, which lasted one to seven days. The ‘finding’ was that radiation adversely affects the gallbladder.

In another study, pigs were subjected to severe burns in order to determine how large of a burn can be survived by 50 to 75 percent of the afflicted animals. In addition, medical students in the military often ‘practice’ surgery on animals who have been intentionally injured in an attempt to simulate wounds that people in combat may sustain. Even though many of the experiments conducted by the military cause significant pain and suffering to the animals involved, oftentimes medication is not administered, which would otherwise be essential to healing and survival.

“Wound labs” have been in use by the DoD since 1957. In these laboratory experiments, animals are often suspended with slings and shot by any number of potential new weapons. In 2003, the United States Naval Board tested Pulsed Energy Projectiles (PEPs) on animals to gauge their effectiveness in creating excruciating pain followed by temporary paralysis in its victims. The weapon is eventually going to be employed to immobilize rioters, and was estimated to be ready for use in 2007.

In addition to dogs who sniff out land mines, dolphins who plant explosives under submarines, and monkeys why are strapped into restraining chairs, attached to electrodes, and shocked into performing flight simulations, the U.S. military also invest heavily in research involving biological warfare agents. Thousands of animals are infected with some of the worst viruses in the world, including Ebola, Dengue Fever, Tick-borne Encephalitis, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and Anthrax. Victims hemorrhage internally; their organs, eyeballs, eyelids, and nipples bleed; they vomit back fluid; or they become paralyzed, psychotic, and go into terminal shock. The examples of extremely painful experiments go on and on.

Space Research

NASA has been using animals in its research since the birth of the agency in 1958. Animals of all types are utilized in NASA’s laboratories and aboard its shuttles in a wide variety of experiments, from studying the effects of microgravity to the susceptibility of astronauts contracting infectious diseases.

According to NASA, for example, mice are frequently taken on board to explore the effects of microgravity on the nervous system of the animals. They are placed in ‘lockers’ containing food and water that are tightly sealed, and while the people on board can observe the mice, they do not have access to them for any treatment or manipulation. As a result, many die from starvation or other complications during the journey.

In addition to mice, squirrel monkeys, fish, and baby mammals are taken aboard to note their tribulations as a result of the anti-gravity environment. For example, baby mammals tend to suffer in space because they crave warm, cuddled environments, which are impossible to achieve in an anti-gravity situation. They also have difficulty nursing because they cannot locate their mothers’ nipples.

In 1996, NASA was still conducting a multi-million dollar research project called Bion that involved sending monkeys whose tails were cut off and who were placed into apparel similar to straight-jackets with restraining rings screwed into their skulls and various electrodes implanted throughout their bodies into space for 14 days. The purpose of Bion was to study the effects of microgravity and radiation in living beings.

Animals are also used in NASA’s ground-based laboratories. In one study that simulated microgravity, mice were injected with bacteria called Salmonella typhimurium. Many died from shock or major organ failure as a result of the procedure. In another study, newborn rats were subjected to a painful experiment where they were suspended upside down from their legs for periods of up to 45 days to explore the affects that an anti-gravity environment would have on muscle atrophy.

Conclusion

The study of military and space developments are undoubtedly two of the most advanced and technologically sophisticated areas of research that exist in modern science today. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the strides that have been made in these subject areas have affected our world positively in countless ways. Certainly these achievements are to be celebrated.

But with all of the resources available to military and space research facilities, these agencies should be cautious not to abuse their powerful position, and should limit their research to only that which is absolutely necessary and covers new ground. Further, as leaders in technological development, it is crucial that these agencies set the standard by making every effort to avoid the suffering of animals at all costs, and by embracing and developing alternatives that are more cost effective, accurate, and humane.

“Seeking Scientific Heights with Moral Lows: Vivisection in military and space research,” AV Magazine Summer 2005.
As one of the top users of animals in the country, the U.S. military conducts some of the most heinous experiments in biomedical research.

“One Way Ticket to Ground Zero: Animals in the military,” AV Magazine Spring 2000.
Judith Reitman gives an in-depth look at the invasive animal experimentation being done by the U.S. military and how it is costing thousands of animal lives and millions of taxpayers’ dollars.

Other Types of Research:

Psychology Research
Military Research
Space Research
Genetic Engineering

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