The discussion about whether or not to test on animals has been going on for decades. Medical labs and shelters are common places where most animals are tested. Animals are generally used because they are cheap and easily available. Some believe that the use of animals is morally and ethically wrong because animals are still considered living, thinking, breathing beings. Others believe that because they are not human, they can do whatever they want with them. The implementation of laws to avoid inhumane treatment of animals is also discussed. Animal testing, as well as the discussion of whether it should be carried out for the purposes of medical research, has been around for centuries. The first recorded account dates back to Aristotle who was the first to notice the internal differences of animals. Throughout his work, Aristotle believed that humans were typically the master race (Blazina, Boyra & Shen-Miller, 2007). This is a belief known as anthropocentrism. This belief is still widespread today and is the main cause of the debate on the importance of animal ethics when it comes to animal research. Animals are primarily used for testing drugs, vaccines, and other medical reasons to determine product safety (US Food and Drug Administration, 2010). Scientists who use animals want to see the effect it has on the animal, such as how long it takes for a drug to be absorbed into the body, how it is chemically broken down, to how much damage it can cause to the body. Due to the controversy surrounding animal research, there are many organizations that are working to develop ways to reduce but not necessarily eliminate the need for animal testing. Animal research has always been controversial regarding... half of the paper... ...the treatment of animals. (2014). More than $16 billion in taxpayer money wasted on animal testing every year. Read more: http://www.peta.org/features/16-billion-taxpayer-money-wasted-annually-animal-testing/Pro-Tests. (2006). Pro-test: defend science. Retrieved from http://www.pro-test.org.uk/facts.php?lt=cUnderstanding Animal Research. (April 2013 08). Animal welfare and the three R's: replacement, refinement and reduction. Retrieved from http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/how/the-tre-RsU.S. Food and drug administration. (2010, August 19). Why are animals used to test medical products? Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194932.htmVivisection Information Network. (2010). Updated: How many animals are used?. Retrieved from http://www.vivisectioninformation.com/index.php?p=1_76_updated-how-many-animals-are-used