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Beyond DissectionBeyond Dissection

GEORGIA BENYK, M. Ed.

School Psychologist/Facilitator

Humane Education Club

DR. PATRICIA HAIGHT

Adjunct Faculty Professor

Maricopa County Community Colleges and Northern Arizona University

MIRA J LESLIE, DVM,MPHState Public Health Veterinarian

Arizona Department of Health Services

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Replacement, Reduction and Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, the 3 R’sRefinement, the 3 R’s

In 1960’s and 1970’s Russell and Burch offer a blueprint in “The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” for a new kind of collaboration with animals.

Replacement:replacement of animals with non animal models

Reduction:reduction of animals used. Refinement:refined procedures to minimize

or avoid pain.

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Be ProactiveBe Proactive

The Humane Society of the US is diligently working on amending the AWA to regulate and replace, reduce and refine animal dissection so that alternatives are exclusively used throughout the country.

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Some issues related to dissectionSome issues related to dissection

Educational: Is dissection really the best way for students to learn?

Psychological: How does dissection affect students?

Morality: The significance of suffering and enjoyment and striving for the greatest good.

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Public Health RisksPublic Health Risks

The implications of zoonotic diseases from dissection of fresh feline carcasses are :

Bartonella, Salmonella, Toxoplasmosis, Rabies, Plague, Tularemia and Giardia.

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Animals Animals do do feel painfeel pain

Pain perception mechanisms in the central nervous system of vertebrate animals such as cats, dogs, and pigs are designed in the same way as human pain perception mechanisms

receptor cells, effector cells, interneurons, nerves, and ganglia are the same

afferent and efferent pathways are the same sensory cortex and motor cortex areas are very similar there is ample evidence supporting the idea that a cat

or pig’s perception of pain is the same or, at the very least, very similar to that of a human

if you want to know what an animal experiences, do it to yourself

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Animals Animals do do anticipate frightening events and anticipate frightening events and areare subject to stress and anxietysubject to stress and anxiety

Anticipatory fear responses in animals Pavlov and every researcher following Pavlov, who has

demonstrated classical conditioning in animals, agrees that the ability to classically condition an animal demonstrates the animals ability to anticipate and predict events in the environment. Classical conditioning demonstrates that animals learn quickly to anticipate fearful events. The anticipation of frightening events creates stress and anxiety in the animal.

Animals, such as cats are sentient creatures capable of experiencing fear and anxiety. The fight or flight response in humans is very similar to the fight or flight response in other animals.

Studies of time perception in animals demonstrate that animals such as cats, dogs, and pigeons can mediate time and can predict, quite accurately, when a frightening event will occur.

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ANIMALS IN EDUCATION...ANIMALS IN EDUCATION...

Every year, millions of animals are harmed or killed in or for elementary school, middle school high school, college and graduate school courses.

In the past several decades, numbers of people have begun questioning the use and abuse of animals for educational purposes

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Desensitization of Students Desensitization of Students and Teachersand Teachers

Many people feel a natural connection with animals

Many educational projects and labs ignore this connection and help create a feeling that animals are objects, subjects and not living, feeling beings.

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Common Thoughts on Common Thoughts on Dissection and VivisectionDissection and Vivisection

Dissection is the best way to learn We use animals that would have been

euthanized anyway. If a student wants to be a doctor, she or he had

better dissect an animal in high school. What if she/he wants to be a veterinarian? Quality alternatives don’t exist Do students have to dissect or vivisect?

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Alternatives to Dissection and Alternatives to Dissection and VivisectionVivisection

Use free sophisticated computer models Animalearn’s The Science Bank

Purchase technologically sophisticated software

Mannequins Observations Working with veterinarians

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Benefits of The Science BankBenefits of The Science Bank

Cost Cultivating a humane child Encouraging computer literacy Student testimonials Preserving the environment

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Beyond DissectionBeyond Dissection Dissection results in the needless suffering

and killing of animals Dissection desensitizes students and

teachers Dissection has an impact on the

environment There are human health risks

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Biology is the study of LIFEBiology is the study of LIFE

Code of Practice on Use of Animals in Schools recommended by the National Science Teachers Association

National Association of Biology Teachers Guidelines for the Use of live animals

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Some suggestions for exploring Some suggestions for exploring alternatives to dissectionalternatives to dissection

Cease Dissection with Humane Science Projects

Pilot studies Experimental classrooms Establishing a committee to examine

alternative materials and design alternative curricula