LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor:
The College of Southern Maryland’s Teen College could better serve its Land and Sea Adventure students by teaching them the value of animals in their natural environment instead of having them follow the decades-old ritual of dissecting them ("College Program Offers So. Md. Teens Unique Experiences," Aug. 5).
Over 6 million animals are dissected each year in high schools alone, including cats, fetal pigs, frogs and a variety of other species.
Sadly, these animals often suffer pain and distress during their collection and killing.
There are numerous activities that can teach students about animals without harming them, including alternatives to dissection such as interactive CD-ROMs, videos and models.
Studies have shown that that these alternatives are just as effective, if not more so, than traditional dissection. Several organizations including the Humane Society of the United States, loan these materials free of charge.
The students—and the animals—deserve better.
Martin L. Stephens, Ph.D.
Vice President, Animal Research Issues
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037