Ethics certainly have evolved over the years! Ethics have evolved so much that there are guidelines in place to protect animals also! Animal testing is looked down upon as many of you know. One famous animal activist organization is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA is known for controversial campaigns stressing the importance of animal rights. There are numerous people who support this non-profit including many superstars. There are also people who are opposed to this group. Before making judgments either way against the group be sure to conduct your due diligence and use your critical thinking skills. Regardless of whether we support PETA's viewpoints/mission or not the group certainly has created awareness about the ethical treatment of animals!

     I am a supporter of PETA, although I do not agree with all of their beliefs but their beliefs and work has made a difference in how animals are treated. Animals are unable to speak for themselves so someone has to speak for them. My stance on animal testing is I do not like it at all, but I believe and know it is sometimes necessary when it comes to preserving life in humans and nonhuman animals. I think that we should avoid animal testing on frivolous things and reserve that for situations where serious health risks could exist for human beings if animals are not involved in the research. I strongly believe that animals with higher brain function such as certain primates should be left out of animal testing. They have a greater capacity for suffering due to their higher levels of self-awareness in comparison to other non-human animals.