Animal Science Ethical and Legal Issues
AnSci M30/CAPS M02

CRN:37624/37625

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Review the ethical issue involving animal ownership and use.  Examples: research, education, food production, exhibition and as companions.  Review and discuss major "animal rights" groups, legal issues relating to animal care and treatment; and regulatory agencies from the local to international levels.   Class discussions include the animal welfare/rights movements, the use of IACUCs, and the Animal Welfare Act.”  Applies to associate degree. 

Course Hours:  Wednesday 6:00-8:50 p.m. Zoo-2, Moorpark College - Starts January 14, 2009.

Professor: Dr. L.S. Shapiro,   Office Phone: 818-710-4254

Office Hours: By appointment  (email drcows@aol.com)

Required TextApplied Animal Ethics, 2nd Edition,  by Dr. L.S. Shapiro, Ari Farms Publishers, 2007. 
  
Course Objectives - The student will:

TOPIC                                                                                                  TEXT

Why Study Animal Ethics

Chapter 1

Philosophy  Behind the Animal Rights/ Welfare Movement

             2

History Behind the Animal Rights/ Welfare Movement

             3

The 3 R’s as Applied Practically to Animal Use

             4

The Basic Legal System Affecting Animal Welfare

             5

Specific Cases of Animal Welfare

             6

Why Animals are Needed in Research

             7

Ethics of Animal Use

             8

Animal Environments and “Agri-ethics”

             9

Veterinary Aspects of Welfare

            10

Zoo, Wildlife and Utility Animals

            11

America’s New Extremists: The Animal Rights Movement

            12

Read Reprint Articles Listed Below

 

Suggested Reprint Articles and Misc. Reference Material From All Sides
a.  Use of Animals in Biomedical Research. The Challenge and Response:
     An American Medical Association White Paper, 1992 (revised)
b.  Americans for Medical Progress, Inc. (see also    http://www.medicalprogress.org/animalhouse/index.cfm)
    iAn AMP Intelligence Report - July 1997
    ii.
  Animal Rights: What’s at Stake
    iii.  Testimony to the Value of Animal Research
    iv.  21 Things You May Not Know About the Animal Rights Movement
    v.  Some Call It Protecting Animal Rights
    vi.  The Animal Rights Movement.. In the words of Its Leaders
    vii.
  Lives Saved Thanks to Animal Research
    viii.
  Federal Regulation of Animal Research
    ix.
  The Vital Role of Animals in AIDS Research
    x.
  Is This Really What You Believe?
    xi.  We’re going to expose the naked truth about PETA tomorrow
    xii.  The Red Ribbon You’’ Wear Tonight Tells the World You’ve Made a Choice
    xiii.  HSUS - PETA Connections
    xiv.  Some People Just See A Rat. We See A Cure for Cancer
    xv. Using Animals in Research is Necessary
cPETA
    i.
  Companies That Don’t Test on Animals
    ii.
  Companies That Test On Animals
    iii.  Animals in the Classroom: Lesson in Disrespect
    iv.  Animal Experimentation: Sadistic Scandal
    v.  Factory Farming: Mechanized Madness
    vi.  Veal: A Cruel Meal
    vii.  Companion Animals: Pets or Prisoners?
    viii.  Euthanasia: The Compassionate Option
    ix.  AIDS: Contagion and Confusion
    x.  Living in Harmony with Nature
    xi.
  Xenografts: Frankenstein Science
d.  PCRM
e.
  The Moral Status of Animals and Their Use in Research
f.
  Human vs. Animal Rights.  In Defense of Animal Research
g.
  Use of Animals in Medical Education
h.
  Animals in Research
i.
  FBR
    i.
  Making Animal Tests the Scapegoat for Rare Side Effects
    ii.
  Historical Revisionism and Intellectual Dishonesty
    iii.
  The Payoff From Animal Research
    iv.  Making the Case for Drug Addiction Research
    v.
  The Humane Care & Treatment of Laboratory Animals
    vi.  The Use of Animals in Product Safety Testing
    vii.  Regulation of Biomedical Research Using Animals
    viii.
  The Use of Dogs &  Cats in Research & Education
    ix.  Animal Rights Extremists: Impact on Public Health
j.  Understanding (and misunderstanding) the Animal Rights Movement in  the United States
k.  World Medical Association’s Statement on Animal Use in Biomedical Research
l.
  Dr. Temple Grandin
    i.
  Euthanasia and Slaughter of Livestock
    ii.
  Shackling, Hoisting Live Animals is Cruel
    iii.  Humanitarian Aspects of Shehitah in the U.S.
    ivPrinciples of Abattoir Design to Improve Animal Welfare
    v.
  Slaughter, Religious Slaughter and Animal Welfare
    viRecommended Animal Handling Guidelines for Meat Packers
    vii.
  Modified ASPCA Pen Designs
m.
  Current Ethical Issues Surrounding Animal Research
n.
  NAERIC
    i.
  Statement of Purpose, Fact Sheet
    ii.
  AAEP Officials Inspect PMU Farms
    iii.
  Checks and Balances in PMU Ranching Ensure High-Quality Care for Horses
    iv.  North American Equine Ranching Information Council
          Seeks to Inform, Educate Public About Mare, Foal Husbandry
    v.  Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling  of Horses in PMU Operations
    vi.  Independent Equine Vet. Practitioners Conduct 1,450 Herd Health Review in 96-96 Season
    vii.
  PMU Ranching’s Veterinary Care Standards Surpass those of Private Ownership
    viii.  NAERIC Updates Equine Welfare Committee at Largest AAEP Convention Ever
ix.  PMU Horses Command Record Prices at South Dakota Livestock Exchange
x.  PMU Ranchers to Benefit From Breeding Enhancement Program
xi.  War on Animal Rights
xii.
  Rights Stunt Backfires
p.  Why the study of animal behavior is associated with the Animal Welfare Issue
q.  The Use of Animals in Medical Research - Are there alternatives
r.  The Importance of Animals in Biomedical and Behavioral Research
s.
  Protecting Laboratory Animals
t.
  Public Health and The Role of Animal Testing
u.  incurably ill For Animal Research (iiFAR)
iAnimals in Diabetes Research
ii.
  Meet Our Members
iii.  Cats and Medical Research
v. Policy Statement: Dissection of Animals in the Classroom
      (Educators for Responsible Science)
w.  Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
     (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science)


GUIDELINES FOR ORAL PRESENTATION AND RESEARCH PAPER

Each student will present a researched topic on ethical issues using animals.  During the Spring 2009 semester each student will present it orally in a group of four.  The presentation shall include both sides of the ethical argument.  Costumes, comedy, posters, props, animals, and equipment may be used to enhance your presentation.  Neither side of the argument should have a clear "winner" or "loser."  The purpose of the assignment is not to prove "your case" but to demonstrate the facts and emotions of both sides of the argument.   A typed abstract is due no later than January 28, 2009. It should include names of each participant and their respective parts in your skit. On January 21st you will meet with your individual groups to write your scripts for your presentations. There will be NO formal class on the 21st. You should arrange, in advance, where and when you will meet with your group. You are requested to meet with your "group of four" to practice your presentation and prepare your detailed outline.  The outline (of your skit) will be turned in on January 28, 2009.      Please include the parts each person will be playing.

The outline for your presentation should include an introduction to the topic, methods of research (where are you going to get your information - make sure you obtain adequate information from all sides),  conclusions based on the complete picture, discussion of unresolved issues, relevance to the average American (why should we be concerned).  You may do your oral presentation in a group of no more than four students.  Each student must demonstrate participation in the preparation and delivery of the presentation.  A detailed scientific style bibliography should be included with a copy of your skits script.  Scripts must be handled in no later than one week prior to your oral presentation.

Oral presenters will be judged on the following:
1. Organization of Presentation (10%)
2. Balance of Ideas Covered in Presentation (10%)
3. Visuals (Clarity and Appropriateness) (10%)
4.
Rate and Smoothness of Delivery (10%)
5.
Ability of others to Comprehend the Presentation (10%)
6. Depth of Material Covered (15%)
7. Overall Impressions of Topic and Presentation (25%)
8.
Quality of Written Script (10%) - due one week before Oral Presentation

EXTRA CREDIT
Poster presentations will be accepted for extra credit.  Presentations should be based on original work (don’t go to PETA or AMA and borrow one of their already put together presentations).   Your poster should be mounted on 45” by 45” poster boards and should be laminated or covered with some type of impermeable plastic.   The top of the poster space should include your abstract.  The lettering for this section should be at least 1” high.

All illustrations must be readable from distances of 3’ or more.   Charts, drawings, and illustrations should include color (when possible).  Keep text and figure legends short, but DO NOT omit them.   Include a typed (at least 3/8” high) short and legible “introduction” chart and a “summary of conclusions” chart.  Each illustration, drawing or picture should convey only one main idea.  The purpose of the illustrations, drawings and charts is to increase interest and attentiveness, to clarify or emphasize an idea.  These diagrams should also increase recall of your presented information.  Do NOT overcrowd your poster board with too many diagrams.   Express your ideas in as few words as possible. Be critical of print size and contrast of drawings.

A poster board presentation is unacceptable if it contains grammatical errors and/or meaningless statements such as “I intend to show,” contains typing errors, has a type size smaller than 12 point (this page is 12 point), presents an emotional viewpoint without the inclusion of data, diagrams, facts showing “the other side.” Do not include pictures, photographs of mysterious origin, or photos that were staged.  Be sure to date all photos, cite location, etc.  

Examples of acceptable poster presentation topics include:
1. Kosher killing of animals
2. Slaughtering of animals using a captive bolt stun gun
3.
Rodeo animals, their care, treatment,  and injuries
4. The Draize test (need for, abuses of, rational for and against)
5.
  Proper use of the IACUC (a step by step analysis, description of, critique)

6. Use of Animals at the circus; their care, treatment, injuries

7. Zoo animals, their care, treatment and need to be in captivity

8. Aquariums, their need, treatment and care of animals.

9. Environmental, behavioral, nutritional enrichment of exotic animals

Please remember that we do NOT have to agree in this course and I do NOT grade on how close a student agrees with my conclusions (when I give them). Hopefully we will be able to establish a common framework that even with varying experiences and viewpoints can be used to converse with each other about animal ethics.  That is my goal.

Researching the Topic
The following resources may prove useful as you research your presentation and should be available at our Department Library, College Library or one of the libraries at CSUN, USC, UCLA or local research facility.
1. Books - check card catalog of the library under the following headings

2. Periodicals - indexes list the articles that have been published in magazines, journals, and other periodicals.   Each index is limited to a specific range of periodicals.  The following indexes list articles that relate to the use of animals in research.
 - Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature - this index lists articles     published in general interest magazines, such as

   - Relevant articles can be found under the    following subject headings:

 - Index Medicus (MEDLINE) - is a bibliography of medical journals and lists a wide range of periodicals related to the field of medicine.   Relevant articles can be found under the following subject headings:

 -Social Science Index - lists journals in the field of social science, such as    psychology and sociology.  Relevant articles can be found under the   following subject heading:

Applied Science and Technology Index - includes journals in the hard    science fields, such as engineering, chemistry, and physics.      Relevant articles can be found under the following subjects:

 - Biological and Agricultural Index - contains listings from journals    dealing with life sciences, such as animal science, biology, and    biochemistry.  Relevant articles can be found under the following  headings:

METHOD OF EVALUATION
1.
Midterm Exam    (study guide)  100 points
2. Class Participation (up to)           25 points
3.
Report (Oral/Written)            50-75 points
4. Final Exam (April 1, 2009)       200 points
    Total points                        350-400 points
Maximum Extra Credit = 35 points.  All extra credit must be turned in NO LATER than March 25, 2009.  All extra credit must be approved by the instructor,  in writing, prior to starting it.

Attendance (3 “tardies” = 1 absence, 3 unexcused absences can = a Fail). It is the student’s responsibility to drop any class after the 1st session not the faculty.
 

Students with disabilities,  who believe that they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Program and Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.  Authorization from the DSP&S office is required before any accommodation can be made.  Their phone number is 378-1461 and they are located in the Student Support Center.

Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to use The Learning Center, The Math Center, and the Writing Center services to support their efforts in this class.  The Learning Center, Math Center, and Writing Center, located in Library 322, will provide tutorial services and supplemental instruction based on course goals.  When using these services, students need to state their instructor’s name for tracking and reporting purposes.  Students will also need to provide their student ID numbers when receiving tutorial services.  For further information call The Learning Center (805) 378-1556 or the Writing Center (805) 378-1400 ext 1696.

The Learning Center, The Math Center, & The Writing Center

Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:30 – 7:00

Friday 8:30 – 1:00

 

PREFACE

The purpose of this course is NOT to change beliefs, but to induce tolerance of different and often emotionally charged opposing views.  As a hopeful dividend, the reading of your assigned text and the teaching of this course may also result in a more humane treatment of both animals and humans.

Applied Animal Ethics will instruct a serious student in the technique of gathering data, reading and creating statistical diagrams and charts, researching not only one’s preconceived notions, and most importantly, the calm dissection of what will probably be disturbing alternative beliefs and interpretations of data.  Statements commonly held to be sacrosanct will be critically analyzed for scientific proof.  Even pictures and  other illustrations will be examined as to relevance and authority. [e.g. Was a picture “staged”?   When and where was it taken?  By whom and for what purpose?]

Readers of  Applied Animal Ethics  may be disappointed by not finding a definitive statement by the author on “ethics” (e.g. whether animals should or should not be used in research; what animals should be eaten by man, if any; how such animals should be slaughtered and under what conditions, etc.)  This is for the reader to decide.  Applied Animal Ethics does NOT pontificate for Hinduism or Jewish Orthodoxy, for the American Medical Association or for the American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research.  It is for the reader to form his own ethical standards.  Probably very few students will change their views after studying this book and its suggested avenues for further research.  This is all well and good.  What will be derived from this text is an understanding and acceptance of the fact that all groups dealing with the various phases of the treatment of animals (and humans) are driven by humane interests even if their end goals may be entirely opposite of one another.

This text combines a basic background in theoretical ethics with the applications of controversial philosophies.  It is in the application of beliefs that we can really understand the full implications of what some might call “dogma,” but which to others might be considered “revealed truths.”  Applied Animal Ethics presupposes that we are and will continue to use animals in research, to slaughter and to eat.  However, a full discussion of what is humane, what is abuse, what is extreme behavior will be encouraged and the vegetarian and the meat-eater, the anti-vivisectionist and the researcher - all will have their full say.  Perhaps only in America could such a text be published, a course like this be taught, and passions calmed for an intelligent and productive airing of ideas and philosophies.  Indeed, it is in the market place of ideas that truths (not truth) can be presented.  And only in America, and perhaps only NOW can we begin to understand and appreciate that all viewpoints have validity and are worthy of presentation and attention.

One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, …. . eats only vegetables.   The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not.  And the man who does not eat everything, must not condemn the man who does (Romans 14:2-3).

I would particularly like to thank and specifically commend to my students  for material and viewpoints of the following organizations and institutions which have provided much of the stimulus to make this book look more applicable and proactive:     PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), American Medical Association,  American Veterinary Medical Association, California Biomedical Research Association,  Foundation for Biomedical Research, Animal Welfare Information Center, United States Department of Agriculture,  Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW), Americans for Medical Progress Educational Foundation (AMPef), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), National Institutes of Health, Hastings Center, Commission on Life Sciences Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR), Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT),  American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research (AFAAR),  Center for Animals in Public Policy (Tufts University),  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Educators for Responsible Science, UC Center for Animal Alternatives, The Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University and various universities that teach similar courses in Animal Ethics will be discussed.     By no means is this list complete in the information available to you.   Additional information from various government and other reliable sources   may enhance your understanding of animal ethics.
L.S. Shapiro, 2000
 

Acknowledgments

I want to especially thank the animal caretakers and scientists at Amgen, Inc. for allowing me to intern through their research facility. The experience gave me first-hand knowledge of “typical” modern day animal research. Dr. Barbara Orlans at Georgetown University was particularly helpful in gathering information, films, and contacts following a course at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics. Dr. Orlans text, In the Name of Science, is a recommended text for the area of animal ethics and will be referred to throughout this text. Dr. Temple Grandin, an internationally recognized expert on the humane handling and slaughter of food animals, provided me with reprint articles and designs of her own for our section on farm animals. Most of the section on the basic legal system affecting animal welfare was researched by Robyn Abrams, attorney at law. Dr. Jeff Chan, Reverend Ito, and Chief Phil Stevens, provided insight as to the Buddist and Native American cultural beliefs on animal welfare. Dr. David M. Coffey, Agricultural Education and Rural Sociology specialist at the Western Kentucky University, Dr. Sally Walshaw, the Director of Animal Resources at Atlantic Veterinary College, University Prince Edward Island, Dr. Gary Comstock at Iowa State University, and Drs. Hugh LaFollette and Tony DeLucia at East Tennessee State University provided copies of their course syllabi, from which I borrowed liberally for my first course in Animal Ethics at Pierce College. Many of their ideas have been incorporated into this text.   

     With this second edition of Applied Animal Ethics, I have tried to include a taste of the controversy that exists in training, housing, and using exotic animals in entertainment and education. Many of my students, during the past thirty years, have dreamt about working with “lions and tigers and bears” not even realizing the controversial nature of caring for these beautiful but dangerous wildlife. Television and movies have made elephants and tigers look docile and friendly. I would like to thank the input and insight I have received from the teaching staff at Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management Program, Dr. Becky Yates – formerly of the National Zoo in Washington, DC, Kari and Gary Johnson of Have Trunk Will Travel, and the thousands of former students who have demonstrated successfully the humane care of exotic and zoo animals.

     Most of all, I want to thank my friend the dairy cow. This may seem a bit strange for a professor to do. However, the close relationship I had (for 19 years) as a dairy farmer gave me a deeper appreciation for the feelings, thoughts, and needs of animals. The dairy cow responds to kindness by producing more milk, better conception rates, and healthier udders. The kinder, gentler and cleaner one is, the more profitable the dairy business becomes. Too bad all businesses can’t be run in such a fashion. Or can they??   

L.S. Shapiro, 2007                                                                   Click here for Printable copy of this syllabus

 

Drcows