The use of animals in research is a socially sensitive issue. The tension between opposing perspectives hinges on the following fact: Certain questions about human and animal health can only be answered through animal studies. No animals, no answers. In this context, “alternatives to animal studies” means asking different questions.
As a large research university, UW-Madison is a magnet for animal rights activists. And this year we have a bumper crop. They are busy dumpster diving, video taping university research facilities and doing their best to intimidate researchers and staff. They also are proving to be artful propagandists.