You have been told that there is current, cutting-edge research with animals that could lead to the development of neural implants that could stop life-threatening seizures in humans. It is not guaranteed that this research will lead to a viable device, but without the research, no such device could ever be developed. To determine if the device will work in humans, roughly 250 rats will have surgery that will permanently implant devices into their brains. The devices are fastened to the skull with tiny screws and dental acrylic, which will dry very quickly and will not weigh much. The rats will be under general anesthesia during the surgery, which will take place under sterile conditions, similar to human surgery. Rats will receive pain treatments during recovery, which will last two days. They are expected to behave normally and experience little change in their behavior or quality of life following recovery.

1. In your opinion, do humans have a right to conduct this type of exploratory research on animals? Why or why not?

2.If you were responsible for making this decision, what would you do? Why?

3.Would your answer change if you found out the rats would have to be put down following the research trial?

4. Would you answers change if the animals being used were dogs rather than rats? Why?