Should animals be used for medical research?1. IntroductionThe deployment of animals for medical research has given rise to heated debates by proponents and opponents, each holding firmly to their own point of view. Those who support animal research argue that it is a vital part in the advancement of medical sciences across the world, providing information on various diseases, which has contributed to the discovery and development of various drugs that have brought about improvement of health. qualify people's lives. Such discoveries were so profound that without them many would have died prematurely because no cure would have been found for the illnesses they otherwise suffered from. On the other hand, animal lovers and animal rights extremists believe that animal testing is not only necessary but also cruel. Humanity subjects them to such cruelties because they are helpless and even assuming that such experiences bring benefits, the inhumane treatment meted out to them is simply not worth such benefits. They would like measures, including the adoption of laws, to put an end to the use of animals in the name of research. This article believes that either of these arguments has merit and believes that a balanced approach must be taken to the issue so that medical science does not suffer and animal lovers are appeased, even if they are not completely satisfied. The rest of the article is organized as follows: the next section examines both sides taking into account the perspectives of academics and practitioners and the next section concludes the article by drawing out key points from the previous section to justify the position adopted in this article. ...... middle of paper ......udes towards the use of animals. Anthrozoos, 5, 32-39. Hills, A.M. (1995). Empathy and belief in the mental experience of animals. Journals and research reports. Anthrozoos, 8, 132-142. Herzog, H. A. (1993). “The Movement is My Life”: The Psychology of Animal Rights Activism. Journal of Social Issues, 49, 103-119. Pifer, L., Shimizu, K. and Pifer, R. (1994). Public attitudes towards public research: some international comparisons. Society & Animals, 2, 95-113Knight, SE, Vrij, A., Cherryman, J. and Nunkoosing, K.. (2003). The effect of belief in animal spirits and other individual differences on attitudes toward the use of animals. Russell WMS, Burch RL (1959) The principles of humane experimental technique. London, UK: MethuenZinsstag J, Schelling E, Roth F, Bonfoh B, de SD et al. Human benefits of animal interventions for the control of zoonoses. Emerg Infect Dis. 2007;13:527–531