1A The Ethics Of Animal Testing
Dec 12, 2025
Journalist Melanie Kaplan, author of 'Lab Dog', shares her poignant journey adopting Hammie, a lab beagle, sparking her investigation into animal testing ethics. She reveals the troubling statistics around animal use in research, especially beagles, and examines the limitations of the Animal Welfare Act. Kathleen Conley, from Humane World for Animals, discusses the push for alternatives in testing and the promise of innovations like organ chips. Both guests challenge the status quo, advocating for a transformation in how society views and treats research animals.
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Adopting Hammy Changed The Reporter
- Melanie Kaplan adopted Hammy, a former lab beagle, after fostering him from the Beagle Freedom Project.
- Hammy arrived fearful and required long-term patience and care before adjusting to city life.
Why Beagles Became The Standard Lab Dog
- Beagles became the standard research dog because historical hunting-breeding infrastructure pivoted to testing needs.
- That legacy created an industry advantage making beagles the most common breed used in labs today.
Three Main Uses Of Animals In Labs
- Animal use in research spans basic science, product toxicity testing, and education with different aims and methods.
- Toxicity tests often use high doses and euthanasia to examine organ effects, especially in product testing.
