The story of creation in the “Book of Genesis” and other creation stories have been existing for centuries, describing the supernatural and divine power that has made the animals on Earth. While this worked for most people, evolution came into vogue, introducing the idea of natural selection and adaptation, as well as sparking debates around the world. But despite the differences between both scientists and theologians’ sides, they agreed on one thing, which is the creation of life rested outside man’s control. And then animal cloning was brought forth with the advancements in medical and science technology, eliminating all bets of the 2 sides. With such a technology, humans were finally in control of creating life. Now, a scientist, farmer or breeder will be able to create a clone of his favorite lab mouse, cow or dog.
Animal cloning is the technique of creating an exact duplicate of certain animals, which means that different animals would have exactly the same DNA structure. This branch of science has opened up the possibilities for many kinds of things, which include organ harvesting, human cloning and even bringing back extinct animal species. But as it improves, the visions of cloning have also been brought in ethics classes and the press. It has sparked heated debates all over the world. Now, should we really be cloning animals? It this technology good or bad? Let us take a look at its pros and cons to reach a well-informed decision.
List of Pros of Animal Cloning
1. It uses controlled testing.
People who oppose animal testing often cite the genetic variance in animals used in laboratories as evidence that any lab result cannot be generalized. One animal may react well to a drug, while another would not. However, animal cloning would let scientists and researchers to standardize the genetic makeup of lab animals used in experiments, allowing them to better examine the results of any experimental procedures, including drug trials. Typically, clones are the same animals with those they were cloned from, which gives scientists and researchers an incredible advantage. Also, animal clones could serve as the most appropriate control subjects for testing, as scientists would be able to compare results directly to those of the original animals.
2. It can create superior animals.
Since animal cloning is creating exact duplicates of species, scientists can select the perfect specimen for the process. They will be able to choose those having unique characteristics or deformities, and then create a whole new flock of superior animals.
3. It provides control over uncertainty.
One huge drawback in breeding animals is the uncertainty of genetic outcome. For example, mating two prize horses or dogs will assure you that their offspring will obtain the best traits of the parents. But with animal cloning, you can side-step the genetic roulette that is inherent in breeding and allow the creation of exact copies. Theoretically, it will give you better animals and lesser number of those to be rejected due to deformities and diseases.
4. It paves the way for organ harvesting.
A big argument pushed by proponents of animal cloning is that the technology has the potential to create life-saving organs for human beings. In fact, this method was touted as a means to create spare organs that will not be rejected by recipients. Though current experiments have only included creating spare parts for sources animals, a similar processes would allow humans to clone their organs that will be used to treat serious health conditions, once the technology is perfected. If this is realized, then the problem in organ donation and the waiting list will be resolved.
5. It helps with animal conservation efforts.
Many animal species these days are increasingly closing to extinction due to natural selection, poaching, hunting and deforestation. Now, animal cloning could provide hope for these species, as it helps create more of them until they can sustain themselves.
List of Cons of Animal Cloning
1. It comes with moral and ethical issues.
The moral and ethical issues that surround animal cloning have not been sufficiently resolved for it to be warranted a wholesale endorsement. Many people, especially those religious ones, argue that the practice is taking the role of God and that there should only be one power to create things in this world. The challenge facing the technology is the tendency for humans to make duplicates of themselves or to create living organs within cloned individuals. Of all the animal cloning cons, this is the most controversial for most religious observers and ethicists. Moreover, arguments also emerge about the rights of cloned animals, which though do still not exist today.
2. It has risks regarding safety of by-products.
The safety issues with regards to using cloned animals as food sources have not been established. It is theorized that the same factors that result in defects in cloned offspring could also result in unnoticeable, but dangerous, changes on the cellular level, which can be potentially harmful to humans when consumed. The meat, milk and fur that cloned animals may be able to provide people have not yet been thoroughly tested for safety. Generally, the field of animal cloning is still highly unknown, with effects believed to be dangerous.
3. It is expensive.
As of now, the expenses that are involved with the procedure of cloning animals are extremely high, which means that using the technology for our everyday needs can be quite expensive.
Animal cloning has been a subject of science fiction and films, and is something that many people in the world would have never dreamt of to become a reality. While there are many questions that need to be answered before it should become an everyday occurrence, it is no doubt that it is really amazing. The debate over this subject matter has continued to heat up headlines, legislatures, laboratories and classrooms. It will certainly affect the next generations, and the best way to decide whether to support it or not is to look deeply into its pros and cons.