Biology class dissection can be a big conflict for animal-loving teens. While some students are just "grossed out," others (myself included) cannot bear to see so many animals (millions every year) senselessly wasted. Choosing not to dissect is not opting out of learning. There are so many alternatives (models, diagrams, films, and computer programs) that teach you just as much as cutting up a dead animal.
Not only is dissection unnecessary, but it is also runs counter to the environment, and morality. Animals used for dissection are usually abused in the process of being captured, transported, and ultimately killed. They are taken to breeding facilities, slaughterhouses, pet stores, local pounds, animal dealers (a.k.a. thieves), and sell them to the dissection industry. Whenever a natural predator is taken out of its habitat, the whole ecosystem is thrown off balance. When frog populations drop, insect populations rise, and major crop damage results. Some species, such as the northern leopard frog, have come to the brink of extinction because so many of them were killed for dissection. Students, especially in today's world (with readily available guns) should be taught to respect and cherish all forms of life. Instead of desensitizing the future of tomorrow, we should teach them that all life is sacred. This attitude will lead to a greater respect for human life and the world we live in.
It is for these reasons that the members of my high school animal rights club have chosen to refuse to dissect and are actively teaching others that there are alternative, more effective and compassionate ways to learn animal biology. We have let our biology teachers know that we will not engage in an unnecessary activity that goes against our ethics. Most of the teachers respect our determination to stand up for what we believe and have given us more humane assignments. We have also organized an informational display table in the library and will talk to other science classes about the consequences and their right to choose not to dissect. The small amount of negative feedback we have received is outweighed by the positive support. The ending of another outdated practice of cruelty to animals can hopefully lead to a more humane treatment of all creatures both great and small.
--Shakira was featured in Peta's "Grrr" magazine as the "Rebel With a Cause." She has written many articles and is known locally for writing animal rights letters to the editor of the city newspaper. In fact, she started the first ever animal rights club at her high school. Visit her website.
