Cloning, from the term itself, is the process of reproducing organisms with identical genes from a single cell. In other words, cloned animals will have exactly the same DNA. Cloning has become a highly controversial topic in the world in recent years.
Most of the opponents of cloning who are from the religious sector are saying that scientists who conduct such practices are playing god, which is, for them, morally wrong because only the Creator can create life. Meanwhile, proponents of cloning believe that this technology has its benefits. Discover the pros and cons of animal cloning for you to decide whether it is a good thing or a bad thing in today’s world.
List of Pros of Cloning Animals
1. It can produce the best animal population.
Cloning can be a means to create animals with identical genetics. This is a good thing because all animals will have the same healthy genes.
2. It will reproduce endangered or even extinct species.
The DNA of extinct animals can be cloned to reproduce them. Endangered species will no longer be in danger of going extinct because cloning can produce more of them. As a result, future generations will be able to see those animals.
3. It can be a way to quickly create more sources of food, especially meat.
A lot of clamor has been going on in the United States against mass production of meat by cramping animals in cages and other cruel means. One way that scientists say will solve this problem is by cloning muscle and flesh samples of animals and growing them in laboratories. This takes the animals out of the equation. And because only good quality meat will be cloned, such process can ensure the public that they will be eating healthier, safer meat in the near future.
4. It will be good for genetic testing and drug research.
Although rights activists groups are against using animals for drug research and testing, it cannot be denied that it is one of the most effective ways to do so. Cloning certain parts of animals will help minimize the use of living creatures for drug and genetic testing, saving animals from unnecessary pain.
5. It can bring back lost pets.
Many families have greatly suffered because they lost a pet. By cloning their beloved animals, they can have Max or Kitty back in their lives.
List of Cons of Cloning Animals
1. It cannot bring back a beloved pet’s personality.
Although your precious dog or cat has been brought to life, there is no guarantee that it will have the same personality as your lost loved one. This this process only clones the muscles, bones and genetic makeup of your favorite animal, but not its traits or personality.
2. It can be seen as animal cruelty.
Although the advancement of cloning may be quite promising, animals that are used for this research may include those who are in poor living conditions. Aside from that, animals that may not be cloned properly because of cell incompatibility could end up getting sick and die due to neglect.
3. It is expensive.
Because of the amount of research, testing and evaluation needed to perfect cloning, it will naturally require large sums of money for it to progress.
4. It reduces genetic diversity.
Cloning creates animals with identical genes, which can limit or even completely eradicate diversity. This can lead to bad breeding via natural means.
5. It can lead to cloning humans.
This is what most opponents of cloning are most concerned about. They fear that genetic manipulation of animals could lead to human cloning, which for many is only possible in movies or in a fantasy world. Moreover, people are concerned of the ethical and moral effects of cloning.
There are those who oppose cloning of animals, and there are those who agree with it. This is because it has its merits and it can help humanity in several ways.