Not long ago on this blog we highlighted the ethical concerns of a vegetarian who supports the use of animals in research. Now another example has come to light, this time in an online US journal, where a vegan with strong doubts has himself become involved in animal research.

These are nice examples of counter-intuitive positions. But they are not isolated cases. In fact they reflect the thinking of most individuals in the research sector. No one wants to use animals if it could be avoided. Why would they? The ethical dilemma is very apparent, and the use of animals is time-consuming, expensive and bogged down in bureaucratic procedures from the Home Office.

The bunny blogger accuses us of being smug and ‘drippingly reptilian’. Yes—we like to point out the distortions, inaccuracies and blatant lies of the animal rights movement. But we must never forget that there are serious ethical concerns about the use of animals in research. These are for all of society to debate, not just those who shout the loudest.