“Man is the highest rated animal, at least among all the animals that responded to the questionnaire (Brault, 2009).” For years, humans have used animals for experimentation, food, clothing, sport and entertainment, manual labor, not to mention man's best friend. Unethical treatment of animals can be best addressed through ethics, as opposed to ethical selfishness. Being human indicates a feeling of pain, pleasure, fear and love; If animals can express these emotions, aren't they human? The unethical treatment of animals is largely because we, as humans, do not believe that animals are sentient (capable of feeling pain or pleasure). Wouldn't it be fun when a kitten purrs when you pet it? What would you say when you beat a dog and it howls? Isn’t that pain? Experiments have been carried out on animals such as rats, mice and primates to test various products, ranging from cosmetics to medicines. Animal testing usually involves pumping a substance into the animal's stomach or applying it to the skin and eyes; they are confined in cages and cannot enjoy the freedom of their natural way of life. According to a PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) report, “it causes great stress and discomfort in animals (2011). » The animals may not die, but they are frightened and mutilated for the rest of their lives. Such practices are still used today, even though there are cheaper and more conclusive ways to perform these tests; in vitro (test tube), genomics, computer modeling technique and human volunteering. These research methods provide more humane and cost-effective alternatives to animal testing. "The harms to animals conflict with the perceived societal benefits that will result if... middle of paper ...... in the end, they're just animals - who cares? Works cited Brault, R. (March 22, 2009). A thought for today. Retrieved from http://www.robertbrault.comHousknecht, Gary (September 18, 2010). Cruelty towards animal performers and human caregivers. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/cruelty-to-animal-entertainers---part-one-a287434Orlans, F Barbara. (1990). Animals, Science, and Ethics – Section V. Policy Issues Related to the Use of Animals in Research, Testing, and Education. The Hastings Center Report, 20(3), S25-30. Retrieved April 28, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1658998).PETA. (2011). Animals used for experimentation. Retrieved from http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/animal-testing101.aspxRolin, B.E. and Rossiter, S. (2002). Pork heaven. Christian Century 119, n°13 (10). Retrieved from EBSCO host