Genetic Modification

Power over genes

Breeding laboratory animals is big business. Companies specialise in the sale of animals, animal organs, sick animals, animals who have had body parts surgically removed – and animals who have had their very genes manipulated to suit the experiments they are to be used in.

As if it wasn’t enough to take control of an animal’s entire life and death, human beings have now begun to take control of their genes. Animals can now be shaped to the desires of human beings, tailor-made to the specifications of the individual researcher complete with defects, diseases and complaints. GM technology represents the ultimate objectification of animals, who become products adapted for human use. And whilst animal experimentation and product testing is gradually becoming regarded by the researchers themselves as out of date in comparison to the modern alternatives, the playground of GM technology is an area where the use of animals is increasing.

GM technology is also moving into areas such as meat production. Cloning the “perfect” meat-animal, genetic manipulation to surpass the already abnormal amount of meat, eggs or milk that can be got out of an animal – these are areas where animals in the research industry are suffering in order to find out how animals in the food industry can be exploited to an even greater degree.

The patenting of animals is another consequence of the advance of GM technology. Human beings give themselves the legal right to create a particular animal – and the self-appointed “creators” ensure that the animals never have a life that’s worth living.

Used on animals, GM technology isn’t a step forward, it’s a hopeless diversion.