is it Ethical to Genetically Modify Animals?

        Genetic engineering is the modification of an organism’s characteristics by either directly

or indirectly modifying their genetic code. Genetic engineering has many applications,

especially when it comes to genetically engineered pets and livestock. However, is it moral to

exercise this amount of control over nature? I think it depends on whether or not the

technology is used responsibly, and whether the changes made to the animal are beneficial or

harmful.

When it is used responsibly, genetic engineering can be beneficial to animals. Normally on farms, bulls have to have their horns removed surgically, so they cannot harm humans or other animals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, this procedure is very painful for the animals that undergo it. However, we can now create genetically engineered bulls that never grow horns in the first place. This way, the male calves do not have to experience this painful procedure. In this example, genetic engineering is beneficial, because it makes farms safer without harming the animals.

However, genetic engineering can also be harmful when used irresponsibly. Pugs are a popular dog breed known for their short bodies, flat, round faces, and protruding eyes. These characteristics that make them popular are a result of selective breeding, a form of genetic engineering where animals with the desired traits are bred together to increase the chances of their offspring having those traits. These characteristics unfortunately cause certain health problems to be more common in pugs. Their unnaturally flat faces put them at greater risk of ocular and respiratory illness, and the wrinkles in their skin increase their risk of dermatitis. In this case, selective breeding put these animals at greater risk of harm.

Genetic engineering is a morally neutral technology. Just like any other tool, it is how you use it that determines if it is moral. Many animals have been harmed by genetic engineering. However, it also has great potential to make the lives of animals and humans better.

-Will

Sources:

Gonchar, Michael. “Student Question | Is It Ethical to Genetically Engineer Animals?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 21 Apr. 2016, https://archive.nytimes.com/learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/student-question-is-it-ethical-to-genetically-engineer-animals/?rref=collection%252Fcolumn%252Flearning-student-opinion. 

O’Neill, Dan G., et al. “Demography and Health of Pugs under Primary Veterinary Care in England.” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, vol. 3, no. 1, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-016-0035-z. 

           “Genetic Engineering.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

            

            https://www.britannica.com/science/genetic-engineering.