For example, formaldehyde is considered a human carcinogen. Are there health concerns about using animals for dissection?Ĭhemical preservatives can have effects ranging from respiratory irritation to more serious conditions.
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To download our environmental impact fact sheet, please click here. It is the responsibility of schools to determine if the dissected animal waste is hazardous and then ensure that it is disposed of properly. In addition to disrupting ecosystems by capturing wild animals, there are concerns about the use of chemical preservatives, including formaldehyde and formalin (diluted form of formaldehyde), which can contaminate water and soil and potentially harm humans and wildlife. government import records, Animalearn found that, over a 3-year period, over 900,000 wild caught frogs were captured in Mexico for a single biological supply company, transported to the U.S., and killed for use in science education labs in American schools.Īre there environmental concerns about using animals for dissection? They then 'process' and preserve them as specimens, and sell them to schools for up to 10 to 20 times the cost.īiological supply companies commonly acquire frogs used for dissection from the wild. These companies obtain cats, frogs, fetal pigs, dogfish sharks, and many other animals as cheaply as possible.
Schools purchase animal specimens for classroom use from biological supply companies.
Cats and dogs, who may have once been someone's pet, are obtained from pounds and shelters. The animals used in dissection may be taken from their natural habitat, or obtained from animal breeders and dealers, ranches, and slaughterhouses – industries notorious for animal cruelty.
Where do the animals used in dissection come from? Invertebrate animals used for dissection include earthworms, crayfish, clams, sea stars, and squid. Other vertebrate animals are also dissected, including dogfish sharks, perch, rats, and mink. The most commonly dissected vertebrate animals are frogs, fetal pigs, and cats. Most of these animals suffer and die for a one-time educational demonstration.
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Our loan program has served thousands of people for nearly two decades, and has grown to be the largest free loan program of humane science alternatives in the United States.Įvery year, millions of animals are dissected in elementary, middle, and high schools, with more used in colleges and universities. It helps in the instruction of anatomy, physiology, and psychology lessons without harming animals, themselves, or the Earth. Today The Science Bank is home to over 650 high-quality, animal-friendly science education products. In 1996, Animalearn launched its alternatives to dissection loan program, The Science Bank. Animalearn helps both educators and students find the most effective non-animal methods to teach and study science. We strive to build awareness about animal use in the classroom and help to nurture a respect for all creatures. FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS What is Animalearn?Įstablished in 1990, Animalearn, the educational division of the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS), works to end the harmful use of animals in education.