Target: Thomas Vilsack, United States Secretary of Agriculture
Goal: Demand that researchers stop performing painful antibody testing on animals and embrace alternatives.
Thousands of animals—ranging from sheep and horses to dogs and rabbits—are killed each year in antibody production research. These animals are subjected to painful experiments in which they are repeatedly injected with target antigens, so that their immune systems can generate antibodies in response. Distressed animals are then either euthanized or drained of blood so that antibodies can be extracted and used for humans.
Several viable alternatives exist to animal derived antibody production. One such alternative includes using bacteriophage viruses rather than live animals to generate desired antibodies. The biopharmaceutical company Merck has also recently introduced a new research project in which they have been able to successfully pioneer animal-free recombinant antibodies. In the midst of technological advancement and scientific prowess, the need for killing animals for antibodies is antiquated and frankly unnecessary.
Sign this petition to demand the USDA enforce the use of non-animal derived antibodies and stop thousands of sheep, horses, goats, donkeys, dogs, rabbits, mice, and other animals from needlessly suffering.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
The use of animals in antibody production is a rather antiquated process. Thousands of animals, including sheep, dogs, horses, donkeys, rabbits, goats, and mice are forcibly injected with antigens, only to be euthanized months later or have their blood drained from them while still alive so that antibodies can be extracted and used for our own benefit.
Several other equally viable alternatives to antibody production exist, such as using bacteriophage viruses rather than live animals. In the face of these alternatives, it is inexcusable to continue the prolonged suffering of animals in the derivation of antibodies.
We are asking you, Mr. Vilsack, to demand stricter regulations on antibody production and to encourage the use of non-animal derived antibodies. Animals shouldn’t be tortured when other methods are available.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pdpics
479 Signatures