Moral Vision Statement

It is common for certain groups of animals such as rats to be forgotten. People tend to have a disinterest for the species, which leads to a lack of knowledge of how these animals are treated and a disconnect emotionally. However, there should be a bare minimum understanding that rats can experience pain; they are not devoid from physical or mental/emotional suffering. Much like the animals that tend have higher value in Western society (i.e dogs and cats), rats should be given the right to humane treatment. To improve upon the treatment of rats, a few solutions could be implemented. Rats (and all lab animals for that manner) should be protected under the Animal Welfare Act, and that act should be reviewed and enforced by a reliable, non-affiliated third party. Rats should not be subjected to testing or additional suffering if it is not necessary for medical advancement (such as cosmetic testing) or if there is a feasible alternative. In addition, other daily inhumane acts such as certain extermination methods and traps should not be used (if rats become a pest and must be exterminated, it should be in a humane way).

If this subject sparked an interest, there are a few groups working toward the humane treatment of rats and other forgotten creatures that are subjected to the same/similar cruelties. The Humane Society is working toward replacing and funding non-animal testing methods in laboratories. They are also working on passing multiple legislations such as ending animal cosmetic testing and the sale of those products. To get involved in this issue or to learn more, check out the websites below. To take action now, do not support products that use animal testing and advocate for legislation and enforcement of laws. If encountered with an infestation, use humane trapping or extermination methods.

Link to Humane Society website: overview of several non-humane treatment of rats
https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/mice-and-rats (overview of non-humane treatment of rats in all scenarios)

Link to Humane Society website: overview of lab animal testing (including rats) 
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/animals-used-experiments-faq (lab testing and examples of what protected and non-protected animals are subjected to)

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