The truth behind abuse: animals are aware of their suffering

In the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness, renowned neuroscientists from renowned institutions, in the presence of the late scientist Stephen Hawking, signed a manifesto in July 2012. confirming the existence of consciousness in non-human animals.

"The essential evidence indicates that humans are not the only ones with the neurological basis that gives rise to consciousness. Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other creatures, including octopus, also have these neurological substrates, "they said at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Neuroscientists have made remarkable progress toward understanding the consciousness that influences the understanding of animal suffering

As in humans, homologous circuits have been identified in animals whose activity coincides with a conscious experience. Despite the differences in evolution between humans and animals, There is a common origin of emotional systems. In both neural circuits are activated when an emotion is felt.

"Although many updates have taken place in the field of neuroscience, the field came a long time ago to the conclusion incorporated in the Cambridge statement that at least many nonhuman animals, including all mammals, are aware and have the capacity to suffer "he told the newspaper The country Philip Low, Founder and Director of NeuroVigil Neuro-Diagnostic Society.

"Every year, about 100 million vertebrates are slaughtered, more than 40,000 million dollars are investeds and 94% of molecules fail in animals; and 98% of those who succeed fail in testing with humans, "noted Low in an interview with Javier Sampedro of The country.

A few years ago, the National Research Council of the United States (NRC) also set up, through a special committee, "It must be considered that all vertebrates are capable of feeling pain. "

"The consequences of being wrong and acting on the premise that the rest of the vertebrates do not feel the pain would be a mistake with serious ethical implications."

Although there are no exact numbers of animals that suffer and die during chemical, cosmetic, drug and food testsbecause they are not covered by the US Animal Protection Act, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) estimates that more than 100 million animals are victims of "cruel societies".

"Millions of animals suffer and also die during experiments and dissections in biology clbades Despite the fact that it has been shown time and time again that modern compbadionate alternatives better teach students and save time for teachers and money for universities, "PETA said in a statement. a statement.

Jane Goodall, theologian and protector of primates, denounced the "torture" that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Squirrel monkeys, specimens of Saimiri sciurea, in research on the effects of tobacco addiction in adolescents.

The US government determined the end of the experiments in 2014. Four monkeys died and 26 others were transferred to a sanctuary.