WASHINGTON— Virginia became the tenth state yesterday to allow
public school students the choice whether to participate in
animal dissection. The HSUS applauds the Virginia legislature
and Governor Warner for supporting non-lethal alternatives. The
bill requires the development of guidelines for the use of
animal models and computer simulations and would require that
students and parents be notified of the student's option to
decline involvement in animal dissections and use alternatives
instead.
The bill was patroned by Delegate James H. Dillard, II,
chair of the House Education Committee, and covers all public
school students through high school. The nine other states that
have laws or policies on dissection alternatives include
Maryland, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, New
York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
“We are thankful to Delegate Dillard and all of the bill's
supporters in the Virginia General Assembly, for their work in
passing this bill,” said Martin Stephens, vice president of
animal research issues for The HSUS. “Student choice policies
provide all students, especially those opposed to the killing
of animals for classroom use, an equal opportunity to excel in
biology classes. Achievement in school should not be based on a
students willingness to cut up a dead animal.”
Studies have shown that students who use alternatives learn
anatomy and physiology as well as, if not better than, those
who dissect. Other benefits of non-animal dissection
alternatives include the re-usability and durability of
equipment, meaning long-term, cost-effective resources for
schools. The HSUS’ Humane Education Loan Program provides a
free consultation service, including a free loan of fully
interactive biology teaching resources to enable teachers to
try the latest technology. For information on this program,
visit www.hsus.org.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s
largest animal protection organization with more than eight
million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream
voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals
and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals
in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The
HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation,
investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10
regional offices across the country. On the web at
www.hsus.org.
