Why Animal Dissection Is So Last Century: Alicia Silverstone and Bear Speak Out
Nearly 30 years after actor and PETA honorary board member Alicia Silverstone first teamed up with us encouraging students to “cut out” dissection, she’s back—joined by her son Bear—for a new anti-dissection campaign. Their mission: to give students and parents the lowdown on why animal dissection is, like, totally uncool—and downright cruel!
In the U.S., an estimated 10 million animals, including frogs, cats, and fetal pigs, are killed and dissected every year. They’re often obtained from facilities that breed animals solely for dissection or tear them away from their homes in nature, just so they can be cut open and then thrown in the trash. Studies have repeatedly shown that virtual dissection and other animal-free methods are more humane and effective tools for teaching biology.
There are plenty of modern, humane ways to learn about dissection. Students who use 3-D models and computer programs can repeat the lesson until they’ve mastered it, sparing countless animals’ lives and achieving a deeper understanding of biology without the cruelty of killing them and cutting them open.
“Dissection is the only thing we ask our kids to do in school that we would be disturbed to find out they were doing outside of school.”
—Alicia Silverstone
And the negative impact of animal dissection extends beyond the classroom. Studies suggest that it can desensitize students to the suffering of sentient beings and even dissuade some of them from pursuing careers in science.
It’s time for higher educational standards that prioritize kindness and empathy while also achieving superior academic outcomes. Alicia explains that parents and guardians are responsible for advocating for the well-being of children and our fellow animals, including those who suffer in the name of dissection. By objecting to animal dissection, urging schools to adopt humane and technologically advanced alternatives, and supporting legislation that promotes animal-free teaching methods, we can help create a more compassionate and successful learning environment for all.
‘Cut Class, Not Frogs!’
Alicia and Bear aren’t just talkin’ the talk—they’re walkin’ the walk. By speaking out against animal dissection, they’re demonstrating compassion in action. We can all do the same by rejecting cruel practices and embracing humane options, helping to create a brighter and more ethical future for students and our fellow animals. Let’s empower young people to make compassionate choices.
We’ve all got the power to help change the world—one frog at a time:
