Friday, February 27, 2009

Medical Experimentation on Dogs?

Students practiced life-saving procedures by cutting open live, anesthetized dogs; later, the dogs were killed, the group said.

I am not opposed to using animals for medical research... however... I do believe in minimizing the use of animals and only doing it as a last resort. When alternatives are readily available, then we should use those alternatives. I know this is a very emotional issue, and easy to side with those who would say that no experimentation should be allowed.

To me, it's kind of like the drug legalization debate. It's fine to argue for the legalization of intoxicating drugs... until one of your close friends or family is either killed or injured or mentally damaged... then it isn't so easy to sit back and say these things. Same with experimentation on animals... easy to support the banning of these procedures... however, it's not so easy when maybe we are talking about saving the lives of people you love. You can't have new doctors experimenting on children or adults to learn how to treat diseases or injuries, can you?

What are your thoughts?

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

City Council Does The Right Thing

South Portland City Council members unanimously voted to allow dogs on Willard Beach -- with conditions -- despite disagreeing on the issue. Some council members voted for the bill, that will allow dogs on the beach from 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., despite their disliking the ordinance.

Dog haters don't want dogs anywhere. You have to fight back, and when you do, you will win. The public understands and loves dogs. Politicians and bureaucrats need to remember that... be dog friendly or lose your job.