The truth about vivisection : pamphlets and leaflets published by The Research Defence Society during February-July, 1910.

  • Research Defence Society (Great Britain)
Date:
1910
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The truth about vivisection : pamphlets and leaflets published by The Research Defence Society during February-July, 1910. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    is piaced in a box, and some wool soaked in the anaesthetic is put in the box. The dog inhales the anaesthetic, and goes to sleep in the box. It is not put in position on the table till it is fully under the influence of the anaesthetic. It is tied in position, because a dog cannot lie on its back as we can. And, of course, there are many operations done on us, during which we are tied-up in particular positions ; not to keep us from moving, for we are absolutely unconscious of everything, but because we must he in that particular position, or the operation could not he done. It was said by the National Canine Defence League, in 1903, that dogs, “on account of their docility and obedience to the word of command, are the animals chiefly selected for torture. ” It would he hard to say anything more false than that. The number of dogs used, compared with other animals, is very small indeed. But, in physiology, there are some researches for which a dog ha3 to he used. The production of lymph in the body, and certain facts as to the circulation, and as to the processes of digestion, were made out by the help of experiments on dogs : and so was the best method of doing artificial respiration. We must remember, also, that dogs often die of distemper. The only way to find how to protect dogs against that disease, must be by experiments on dogs. Evidence of Professor Starling before the Royal Commission on Vivisection, Dec. 12th, 1906. “ Though I have been engaged in the experimental pursuit of physiology for the last seventeen years, on no occasion have I ever seen pain inflicted in any experiment on a dog or cat, or, I might add, a rabbit, in a physiological laboratory in this country: and my testimony would he borne out by that of any one engaged in experi- mental work in this country.” REMEMBER 1. A dog is not frightened, as we are, at the thought of an operation. 2. It takes the anaesthetic before it is put in position for the experiment. 3. During the whole of the experiment, it is unconscious, and knows nothing of what is happening. 4. In most cases, it is killed before it recovers consciousness 5. In those cases where it is allowed to recover consciousness, the wound must be dressed antiseptically ; and, if the antiseptic precautions fail, and the wound suppurates, the dog must be killed under an anaesthetic. If you want to know the TRUTH about experiments on animals in this country, at the present time, under the restrictions of the Act, send a postcard to the Hon. Secretary, Research Defence Society, 21, Ladbroke Square, W.