Is Animal Testing a Necessary Evil? Episode 396

In this episode, Niall asks: Is animal testing a necessary evil?
The Irish Anti-Vivisection Society (IAVS) has condemned the grim reality that over 106,000 animals — including cats and dogs — were used in painful experiments in Ireland last year. With growing public outrage, Niall discusses whether all animal use in medical research should now be banned.

Some callers argue that although it’s uncomfortable, animal testing is still necessary. They point out that without it, many life-saving medicines and vaccines would not exist. Until reliable alternatives are available, they believe limited, ethical testing remains essential to save human lives. They also stress that efforts should continue to reduce animal use, but abandoning it now would be dangerous for medical progress.

Other callers believe animal testing is outdated and cruel. They argue that in an age of AI, computer modelling, and advanced lab technologies, we no longer need to exploit animals for scientific gains. To them, it’s a moral failure to continue using animals when more humane methods are increasingly accessible. Some even suggest that if society truly cared about animals, we would rethink our entire relationship with them, far beyond just the lab.

Niall reflects on the passionate views shared and acknowledges the complexity of balancing human progress with compassion for all living beings.