Priceless Memories - Bob Barker [83]
Again, in most cases, whether it is the fur industry, vivisection, or even the entertainment industry, animal abuse is the result of greed. And when you care about the animals as much as I do and as much as so many others do, it is totally unacceptable to see the poor animals paying the price for unsavory human avarice. Invariably, the people who vigorously oppose suggestions that would improve life for animals are people who in some way profit from the exploitation of animals. Breeders, research scientists, animal trainers, farmers, and the movie industry are just some of the groups from which offenders come. And let’s add circuses, rodeos, roadside shows, and zoos to the list.
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Some of the most egregious animal abuse has always resided in the field of animal experimentation, often conducted at top universities around the country. In many cases, these experiments are essentially animal torture and senseless mutilation. I am vehemently opposed to vivisection, and I have spoken out against it for years. I have participated in protests and marches. I have written letters, given speeches, and tried whenever I could to shine a light on the barbaric experiments done on animals of various kinds.
For years, animals were used in tests for cosmetics and household products. These animals were subjected to blinding, poisoning, and skin infections of all kinds. The test results were useless. They resulted in inaccuracies and were dangerous to human health. Animals and humans are different. The test results are inconclusive. I am delighted to see more and more companies turning their backs on animal testing and pointing it out to consumers on labels and in advertising.
Animal researchers have historically done some horrendous experiments. I do not want to go into all the gory details, but it is animal torture. There is no other word for it. These researchers know what they are doing to the animals. They know it is barbaric. And they do it anyway. It all comes down to money. They get millions of dollars in federal grants to do animal experiments. One of the easiest ways to get a federal grant is to perform animal experiments. We have been pleading for years with the NIH (National Institutes of Health) to back off, but they continue to sanction—and in some cases demand—animal experiments.
One of the great tragedies is that many of these tests are redundant—the identical tests are done over and over at several different universities. It is sickening to think of the senseless, repetitive, and useless torture being conducted. It is also a complete waste of taxpayer money. The same researchers repeatedly receive these federal grants; “research welfare,” it is often called. It is a difficult problem to attack, but we are attacking it. And I think we have made progress. There have been signs that we are having an impact. For example, primate experiments have been considerably reduced. I think that by highlighting these atrocities, the animal rights movement has reduced the level of cruelty to animals in the laboratory, but it is an ongoing battle.
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I have mentioned Nancy Burnet several times in this book, and well I should. But before I continue further, I’d like to explain how she came into my life. In 1983, I was at an animal shelter in Orange County for an event, the purpose of which was to attract a crowd, and hopefully, find homes for some of the shelter’s dogs. The day was drawing to a close, and I was trying to find a quality home for a dog I had on a leash.
I looked across the shelter yard and saw Nancy as she arrived. I thought: “There is one great-looking lady.” As I said, the day was drawing to a close, so I didn’t have time to waste. I went over to her, introduced myself, and explained that I was trying to find a good home for the dog I had on the leash. Then I asked her if she was married or single.
Looking a bit startled, Nancy