Many of us know as a fact that during the Second World War, many prisoners became the victims of medical experimentation. We know that it is not ethical. I certainly hope that such cruel acts won't happen again.

But what about animals? Animal testing is ongoing in modern industries like medicine, cosmetics and food.

There was time I was crazy about cosmetics. I spent a lot of my money buying expensive cosmetic products. I didn't know that these cosmetics were produced as a result of animal testing. As a consumer, all I saw were the finished products, beautifully packaged and advertised by models on TV. There was no way of knowing what was involved behind the scenes.

Now I have learned (and I am still learning). I am more aware of animal "cruelty-free" products. Since it took me years before I learned these things, there are still times I fall into the old habits of feeling somewhat "detached" about animals that "seemingly" have nothing to do with my life. When I realize I'm feeling this way, I try to shift my thinking by asking myself, "What if my pets were used for animal testing? How would I feel? Would I pay for the product?"

I'm sure there are controversies as to where to draw lines when defining" animal cruelty". But I am of the opinion that unnecessary animal testing should be stopped, especially where it's only for the sake of human vanity. There are many alternatives in the world that don't involve suffering of animals. It's all about choice.

Here is a website you can learn all about animal rights:
www.peta.org