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its potential to revolutionize treatments for mental health disorders like PTSD and major depression, is jeopardized by outdated and cruel animal testing practices.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 This outdated paradigm not only compromises animal welfare but also stalls progress towards effective treatment options for the millions suffering from mental health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 The continued reliance on outdated systems, such as the discredited forced swim test and the distressing head twitch response, is not just cruel but also scientifically flawed.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]

Photo credit: Pixabay


4 Comments

  1. This pointless “research” only continues because those who heroically carry it out ENJOY doing it. No normal,compassionate person could bring themselves to do what these vile, sadistic so called “scientists” do….

  2. I believe the tests should be carried out on sadistic NIH “scientists”. The data would be more reliable since the scientists are “human”.

    • Yes, yes, and yes! This is a truly amazing idea! This method would be far more viable and helpful to the cause. Torture the sadistic torturers in order to achieve results. Let them *experience* how it feels to be on the receiving end of the abuse. This would be a divine retribution.

  3. These so called tests/experments have long been debunked as useless and futile, and yet somehow this insane cruelty still persists and continues regardless. In this case I am convinced that this type of animal cruelty/abuse has absolutely nothing to do with genuine research for medicine or for anything other than sadistic, maniacle and sick individuals to get their kicks and sick pleasure – by tormenting and torturing innocent/defenseless little animals and watching them suffer and die. And the individuals who are continuing funding this sickness are no damn better than those harmful abusers and psychopaths. If they had any morals at all they would never be funding and facilitating this horrific animal abuse. Everyone involved in causing/inflicting this horrible unnecessary pain and suffering on all of those helpless animals is pure evil. And it needs to be *STOPPED* right now!

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