Kids may get choice in animal dissections

Biology Class: ‘Few benefit from experience’

The Vancouver Province
Jan 12, 2005
Elaine O’Connor
Education Reporter

A local animal advocate want the Vancouver School Board to adopt an official policy allowing, students to refuse to perform animal dissections in class.

Lesley Fox is urging trustees to set guidelines making students aware they can refuse to wield scalpels in biology classes.

“Kids should have a choice. It shouldn’t have to get to the point where thy have to be in tears or have a breakdown to talk to the teacher,” said Fox, recalling her horror at having to dissect a fetal pig.

“Dissection isn’t a necessary experience. The majority of students are going to dissect at least one animal, but only a small fraction of them are going to go on to a career where it’s related,” said the B.C. Institute of Technology student.

If passed, Vancouver would be the second district in Canada with an official policy. Nova Scotia’s South Shore district adopted a policy in 1998 and there are plans to lobby for a similar one in Toronto. In the U.S., about a dozen states have policies. In some countries, like Argentina, the practice is banned.

Currently, the B.C. Ministry of Education does not mandate animal dissection, and lets schools provide alternatives at their discretion.

But Fox said the arbitrary nature of opt-out procedures is a problem. Without a publicized policy, students could acquiesce to avoid confrontation with teacher, or out of fear for their marks.

Board chairwoman Adrienne Montani said she personally supported the idea, but noted the committee would need time to research animal use in the district.

B.C.’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is supportive.

“We really urge governments, universities and schools to use alternatives, either inanimate models or virtual-reality programs so students can get the same kind of education without using animals,” said spokeswoman Lorie Chortyk.

It’s difficult to gauge how many animals are used in schools as numbers aren’t kept, but even universities are cutting back, said Canadian Council on Animal Care director Dr Clement Gauthier. 

Frogs, earthworms, fish, fetal pigs, cow eyes, crayfish and grasshoppers are often used in schools.