Stop Torturing Animals for Psychedelic Research

Target: Dr. Lawrence Tabak, Acting Director, National Institutes of Health

Goal: End the funding of cruel and ineffective animal tests in psychedelic research that hinder the development of vital mental health treatments.

Psychedelic research, touted for its potential to revolutionize treatments for mental health disorders like PTSD and major depression, is jeopardized by outdated and cruel animal testing practices. Specifically, the reliance on obsolete tests such as the forced swim test and the head twitch response test raises serious ethical questions and casts doubt on the validity of the outcomes derived from these experiments. As reported, these tests involve distressing procedures, which may include surgical alterations to animals’ bodies, rendering them not only inhumane but allegedly ineffective in accurately predicting human responses to psychedelic therapies.

Despite numerous advancements in research methodologies, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues to fund these unnecessary and cruel animal experiments. The forced swim test—which has been discredited by the National Institute of Mental Health and banned in places like New South Wales—remains a mainstay in psychedelic studies. Claims that the head twitch response in animals correlates to human reactions are not only questionable but do not provide reliable nor ethical insights into human psychiatric conditions. This outdated paradigm not only compromises animal welfare but also stalls progress towards effective treatment options for the millions suffering from mental health disorders.

To safeguard both animal welfare and the integrity of scientific progress, the NIH must pivot towards more humane and scientifically sound research methods. The urgent cessation of funding for such inhumane experiments is imperative to align scientific practice with modern ethics and the increasing societal demand for animal welfare. Call for the NIH to immediately discontinue funding for these inhumane tests and redirect resources toward innovative alternatives.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Dr. Tabak,

The urgent matter of animal testing in psychedelic research cannot be overstated. The continued reliance on outdated systems, such as the discredited forced swim test and the distressing head twitch response, is not just cruel but also scientifically flawed. These tests have been criticized, with the forced swim test banned in some countries due to its lack of relevance to human psychiatric conditions. However, the NIH continues to fund these experiments, which compromise both animal welfare and the pursuit of meaningful scientific advancements.

Given that human and animal biology exhibit significant differences, it is apparent that these animal models often lead researchers astray and yield results that are not applicable to human patients. Innovative, non-animal research methodologies are readily available and offer more reliable insights into human responses to psychiatric treatments. It is imperative that the NIH takes this opportunity to lead the way toward animal-free research, ensuring that funding is directed toward humane practices that can more effectively benefit patients.

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge you to cease funding for these types of cruel and ineffective experiments immediately. The future of mental health treatment depends on adopting ethical and scientifically valid research practices that focus on the well-being of both animals and humans.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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