Shelter to continue selling pets for research

I agree more effort could be made to place an animal...but I personally have no issue with an animal being sent to research...or animal research as a general issue. We have had members here who work in such labs explain in detail the kinds of things done and they've been pretty honest...I have really, no issue with much they've said.

My personal dogs have benefitted greatly from such testing. Purpose bred animals...animals bred for the sole purpose of going to labs...are another avenue but likely a pricier one. Depending on the research purpose bred animals are not always necessary.

It's a complicated issue...but I believe the rules in place governing animal research are such that the animals are treated humanely aside from isolated cases...just like in a shelter where abuse and inhumane treatment (gassing, euthanasia incorrectly done, just plain abuse or neglect) ALSO occurs.

I agree that there are benefits to animal research.  Really, we wouldn't learn things about animal health and diseases without it.  However, this particular lab has been in trouble with the state for violations and unethical practices.  They used to list themselves in the phone book as a shelter.  Another larger county's animal control was also contracted to sell to this lab and was known to misinform people regarding where their pets went when attempting to claim them.  That county ended its contract with the lab.  I knew that about the lab, just didn't say that in my original post - jumbled up thoughts, thinking too fast and not typing all of it. 

I really do have a hard time imagining what kind of life that is even if the animals are treated humanely.  I don't recall what other lab workers have posted (maybe I need to look up those posts), though what I visualize is these critters being kept in a kennel and poked, prodded, injected with who knows what, etc.  I couldn't see my dog or cats in that situation.

If any animal test lab people want to post info and links, I'll willingly read it.

sharismom

though what I visualize is these critters being kept in a kennel and poked, prodded, injected with who knows what, etc.  I couldn't see my dog or cats in that situation

My dogs have been in that situation, for at least a short time, at their very own vets...when Hero spent many days at the vet before his death while they tried in vain to figure out what was wrong. He was poked and prodded daily...in a desperate attempt to save him. You are trying to help them...but it's not like THEY know that...after all, all they know is they are away from home, possibly in pain...and being handled by strangers.

I considered many times if I was being cruel leaving him there or if I should just bring him home to die or allow doc to euthanize him days earlier than he did.

BUT, all that doesn't mean there are not people there, who care about them and speak kindly to them...even at the end when nothing is done but euthanasia. I stop short of considering everyone involved in research as a callous unfeeling person (not implying you feel this way at all...speaking generally). Being scientific, and analytical does not always strip you of every kindness...after all. Even Dr House has feelings there someplace LOL.

If the lab is not following the rules then they should be held accountable.

As I said, complicated issue. But a kennel is a kennel whether it is a Lab for several weeks (they do not to my knowledge keep the dogs there long...there are limits to how long ANY kind of research can be done on one animal, I think) or a "shelter" for several week or indeed a LIFETIME as happens in some no kill situations. Many different kinds of labs, from those that do food trials to those that teach vet students how to administer vaccines and do simple procedures...on up to the more indepth and in some people's eyes, "invasive" research.

Bad guys abound..in every facet of dogdom...from showing to working...research to shelter...puppy buyer to puppy seller.

If you have any information that this lab is not following the guidelines for animals in their care you should report them.

I don't think any of us who care about animals really want to think about the reality of using animals for research but it is a vital part of science.  Thousands and thousands of peoples lives are saved every day because of this type of research.  Life and it's realities are painful and you are feeling normal feelings but I try and not think with my heart in these types of situations but just use the analytical part of my brain (what little I have, lol) when this subject comes up.  I am taking a drug right now that I am sure animals were used to test and if it does what it is supposed to it will greatly relieve some very painful symptoms I am experiencing.  I am one of the biggest animal lovers in the world and I hate the thought of their suffering but I still have to say that I will put any human above any animal, even my own beloved pets if it ever came down to a choice between the two.

I do not personally have first-hand knowledge about this lab's conditions, but there are several reports with the state about the violations they have been cited for.  And from what I understand, they don't just perform medical research, they test everyday products on them.  That is the part I really have a hard time with.

I really understand what you are saying, Gina.  I dated a guy for a while who worked in an animal research lab (not this specific one) for two years.  Even though that lab was for medical research only and it followed the guidelines, the work really got to him emotionally.  I don't think all lab workers are callous any more than I think all shelter workers are (and I got that you were speaking generally, not at me specifically).  I know those are two jobs I could never do.  Volunteering is hard enough sometimes.

I guess what I'm feeling in this particular situation is that the county shelter seemed to slam the door on other suggestions and assistance offered - let's do it the same old way, we've done it like this for 20 years, it's good enough.

ETA: this lab is a known class B dealer