SLICE UP A FROG, OR VIEW IT IN VIDEO?

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 20, 1992                   TAG: 9202200582
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
SLICE UP A FROG, OR VIEW IT IN VIDEO?
IN HIS COMMENTARY Feb. 4, W.E. Beal makes a very good point about the need to increase the teaching of science and technology in this country, especially in times of tough competition against nations such as Japan. Mr. Beal, however, slips off the realm of reason and compassion when he tells us to "start by dissecting a few frogs."
Is it truly necessary to slaughter a frog just to "look at the size of the liver"? Given the choice, I think it would be much better to go to the library and look it up in a book than order a frog through the mail and slice it on the kitchen table.
It is time we realize that other methods of learning are available. There is a vast quantity of pictures, videos, and computer programs showing the detailed anatomy of frogs and other animals. If these methods were used, think of the number of animals that could be saved.
This issue of dissection goes far beyond the question of its necessity - the answer to that is no, at least on a non-research level. It enters the realm of basic moral values.
If we need to know how the human body works, why not dissect humans? Why should innocent frogs, cats, pigs, mice, monkeys, rabbits, etc., be killed just for our benefit? If we humans are the most intelligent creatures on Earth, why can't we also be the most compassionate? NED DOWLING ROANOKE

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB