Is dissecting specimens ethical?

This is a very interesting question that we come across a bit, so we thought we would write an article to better understand each side.

 
One of the main concerns today with animal dissections is ethics. Is it right to kill animals for the purpose of research? At what point does technology become advanced enough where we don’t have to complete dissections?

 
Westlab recognizes these concerns and stays aware of where our products are coming from. Westlab has partnered with a packaging plant that reaches out to a variety of butchers and processing plants on our behalf, to bring in raw materials. This means that our preserved products are procured as by-products from animals that are already going to slaughter, ensuring that as little as possible goes to waste and these products can be put to beneficial use.

 
The compelling motivation from the other side of the table, is that the dissection of specimens is the number one way to understand human anatomy and how human and animal organs work. As we increase knowledge in that field, it leads to the saving of human lives. As an example, for someone having open heart surgery, the patient will feel a lot more comfortable knowing that the surgeon has practiced on animal organs, as opposed to learning solely via theory. So, while there may be ethical concerns, it can be argued that it is essential that we continue to explore how everything works and reacts, with the ultimate goal of saving human lives.

 
Westlab is actively networking with students and teachers to gather ideas and suggestions on how to improve methodology and resource efficiency. Who knows what the future might hold? Watch this space!