• Question: Would You Ever Harm An Animal

    Asked by limey5298 to Jenni, Helen, Mark, Martin, Stu on 14 Jun 2011. This question was also asked by collinsc09.
    • Photo: Jenni Tilley

      Jenni Tilley answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      No, not at all. All the experiments I do, are either on human samples which the humans give their consent for me to use, or are on animal samples which I collect from a local abbatoir.

      All my animal samples come from animals that were bred for food, and normally I’m investigating the bits that they would throw away rather than eat (like the feet). Abbatoirs slaughter animals humanely (a vet has to be present whenever they do it), so I’m not worried about the animal’s welfare.

      I am worried about the state of my car – imagine the smell associated with transporting 40 cows feet!

    • Photo: Helen O'Connor

      Helen O'Connor answered on 14 Jun 2011:

      No I wouldnt harm an animal and in scientific research you have to complete lots of paperwork if you want to experiment on animals to prove that you will be ethical and humane. However, a lot about what we know about psychology did start with animal experiments that probably wouldnt be allowed now. Pavlov’s drooling dogs, and Skinner’s pigeons taught us a lot about how we learn new behaviours by being rewarded or punished. That kind of research is used even now to design slot machines that encourage people to keep feeding money in even when no money comes out!

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