Animal testing is the use of animals in scientific research to assess the safety and effectiveness of products, such as medications and cosmetics. This practice helps researchers understand how substances affect living organisms before they are tested on humans. Common animals used in testing include mice, rats, and rabbits.
While animal testing has contributed to many medical advancements, it raises ethical concerns regarding the treatment of animals. Advocates for animal rights argue that it can cause suffering and that alternative methods, such as cell cultures and computer modeling, should be explored to reduce reliance on animal testing.