Alternatives to Dissection

Dissection in the classroom is unnecessary and students at high school, or university level, should not feel pressured to participate in these activities. There are now many alternative ways of learning about our fellow creatures. If you would like support and advice on how to say no to dissection and animal experimentation in the classroom, please contact the Animal Liberation branch in your state.

For arguments against dissection, please go to the following sites:

Cut Out Dissection

The Issue of Dissection

There are now a range of alternatives to classroom dissections including videos and computer dissection programs. Two of these are available on the internet:

The Interactive Frog Dissection

Virtual Frog Dissection Kit

• 'Say No to Dissection' kits are available from the Animal Liberation office. These kits are aimed at students concerned about being required to dissect in the classroom. Please call our office (03) 9419 5188 for more information, or email alib_vic@paradigm4.com.au

• The 'Alternatives to Dissection Resource Kit' is produced by SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation, New Zealand). This kit is aimed at high school biology teachers, its main objective is to make teachers aware that students who have any reservations about dissection can be provided with adequate humane alternatives. It also contains ideas for lessons which could be substituted for actual animal dissections. It lists alternative products available. The kit is available from Animals Australia, email animals@melbpc.org.au, or telephone (03) 9329 6333. They also sell a number of books on animal experimentation and animal rights suitable for students and schools. Ask for a catalogue.

• The Animal Welfare Information Network (AWIN) in South Australia has produced a document entitled 'Alternatives to Animals in Teaching'. This publication provides an extensive list of alternatives to dissection and animal experimentation, such as computer simulations, videos and models, at all levels of education including High School, Undergraduate University Science Courses, Medical Degrees, Veterinary Degrees. It also looks at the effectiveness, with regard to student achievement, of the use of alternatives to animals in the classroom. The document discusses arguments for and against dissection. For a copy of the report, contact AWIN, 6 Fifth Avenue, St Morris, South Australia, 5069. Telephone (08) 332 5069, Fax (08) 364 1543.

If you are a student, please bring the existence of these resources to the attention of your school.

Other Animal Rights Issues

Invite a Speaker to Your School

Animal Liberation can provide speakers for your class on a variety of animal issues, as mentioned above. Please call our office (03) 9419 5188 to arrange a speaker to visit your school.

Join Our Youth Group "Grrrr" - The Animal Rights Group for Secondary School Students

Join up and get involved in campaigns against:

• Dissection of Animals in Teaching
• Animal Experimentation
• Factory Farming
• The Fur Trade
• Cruelty in Circuses, Rodeos
• And Heaps More.....

If you feel strongly about animal rights issues and want to work with other young people to help stop the suffering in all areas of animal abuse, join the youth group. Contact the office on (03) 9419 5188 and leave a message for Michelle or Farah-Lee.

The youth group is co-ordinated by young people, for young people - in association with Animal Liberation Victoria.