Where do the animals used in dissection come from?
It is estimated that 170 types of animals or more are used for dissection or vivisection (i.e. experimented upon while still alive). The animals come from various sources such as: their natural habitat, animal breeders and dealers, pounds, shelters, ranches, and slaughterhouses. Live and dead animals are bought from these sources by biological supply companies from which educators purchase laboratory specimens. For instance, people who ‘fish’ will sell fish and sharks to biological suppliers. Cats and dogs, who have been euthanized in shelters or pounds or otherwise acquired by animal dealers, are also sold to suppliers. Animals are also obtained as ‘byproducts’ of extremely cruel industries. For instance, slaughterhouses provide fetal pigs, and fur farms sell skinned mink, foxes, and rabbits. Most of these animals led deprived or otherwise miserable lives and die in agony. Common methods of killing include: suffocation, anal electrocution, drowning, gas chambers, or euthanasia. Becaus
