Book Review: Sacred Cows and Golden Geese: The Human Costs of Experiments on Animals

By C. Ray Greek M. D. and Jean Swingle Greek D.V.M. (Jul 1, 2000)

Written by two doctors, this is a detailed and highly footnoted scientific argument against animal experimentation. Many books and articles make broad-brush claims about the benefits, or not, of experimenting on animals. But Ray and Jean Greek are meticulous in demonstrating, case by case, that animal research is ineffective. The authors go even further and present a ream of animal studies whose results have actually harmed human health. These are cases when animals don't react to drugs that are indeed dangerous to humans, or when drugs that would be extremely helpful and are safe for humans are kept off the market because of adverse effects in animals.

The authors point out that today we have inexpensive, effective methods to conduct medical research without using animals. Please see a list of these alternatives by clicking here.

The authors make the compelling claim that animals are only being used in laboratories today because of academic tradition and governmental requirements based on ignorance.

And recent update! Big news! Read all about it HERE!