Hundreds of diseases that once killed millions of people every year are treatable or have been eradicated entirely thanks to animal testing (Evans 1). Animals have been used repeatedly throughout the history of biomedical research. The use of animals for scientific research dates back more specifically to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The use of animals for biomedical research is necessary to seek advances in human and animal health. Since at least 500 BC, animals have been used to develop medical treatments, determine drug toxicity, test the safety of products intended for human use, and other biomedical, commercial, and healthcare uses. Supporters of animal testing recognize the difference between animal testing and animal torture and, at the same time, disclose the effects of animal testing, but opponents of animal testing claim that alternative methods available to researchers can replace animal testing. In recent years, the practice of using animals for biomedical research has come under severe criticism from animal protection and animal rights groups. What many anti-animal testing activists fail to understand is the difference between animal testing and animal torture. An anonymous critic from University Wire argued that animal research is one of the most highly regulated practices in science (“Animal Research and Torture”). Animal research is considered acceptable only when it deepens basic understanding of biology or when it has the potential to provide information that could improve human or animal health. This means that animal research is not conducted as recklessly as many believe. In contrast, animal torture is defined as: “the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering, or death on an animal, usually domesticated, beyond the necessity of normal discipline. It may include such monstrous neglect (withholding food and water) that the animal suffered, died, or was placed in imminent danger of death” (Bailey 2). Animal research is extremely expensive and requires huge investments in well-trained people and special facilities. It is also heavily regulated: an institution must spend a significant amount of time and money ensuring that all applicable regulations and guidelines are followed. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize Essay Laws have been passed in several countries to make the practice more "humane." Laws and organizations such as the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Department of Agriculture's Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are currently in place to regulate and suspend animal testing practices. Conducting research on animals is not something that institutions undertake without much thought and preparation.