A Change of Heart, Not of Values: From Animal Rights to Laboratory Animal Welfare

By Kristen Pauley

My name is Kristen. I am 31, from Maryland, USA, and a former animal rights advocate turned voice for animal welfare in research. As a teenager, I used to be anti-vivisection, anti-farming, and against any form of animal use. I felt like I was saving animals by demonizing animal-based medical research. However, this developed into a desire to actually improve animal lives from the inside. But how could I, with an open heart, rewire the system? And what could I do to help others understand? What was my true motivation?  These are core whys that continue to drive me.

Upon turning 18, two major events occurred which led to my career in laboratory animal science: a newfound love for rats, and a change of heart in regard to animal research, through my undergraduate education. These were defining moments that led to the realization that I was meant to promote and protect the health of lab animal species. Humans have always been placed on a higher pedestal than animals, and have been using them when expedient. This includes their use in science. And although non-animal methods can replace some animal use, they cannot yet address every scientific question. So until non-animal methodologies are the norm, someone must be the voice for the animals – someone like me. To me, each set of eyes I look in, each animal I hold, is more than a data point in a study. Each life is valuable, while serving a greater purpose.

Caring for rats

In April 2013, I decided I wanted an animal companion, specifically a hamster. I headed towards the small animal section with sights set on a teddy bear hamster; they had none. Feeling defeated, I headed towards the exit to find a young couple from an animal rescue that had baby rats for adoption. I could not believe my eyes. How could animals so hated by society be these intelligent, clean, and adorable? Feeding my curiosity, I decided to hold one and I was sold. However, my attention was drawn to a pet shop rat that was the last to be chosen. She hid in her lonesome hut. They lifted her out, and there she was: a beautiful, tan rat. She was perfect. Later named Nidalee, we had a bond from the start. Not only was she chattering away happily, but she perched right up on my shoulder. It was as if she had belonged there. On our car drive home, she swayed her head to the music, taking in all the sights and sounds around her. She remained curious about these new and exciting places and I bonded with her like I had never before. Soon she would be given Fiona, an albino rat, as a companion, and since then I have spent 13 years sharing my life with rats, learning about them and from them, playing, laughing and loving them unconditionally. I clicker trained rats to do basic commands, and even tricks. It has been nothing short of fantastic. This has made it quite clear to me that if they are to be used in science, their complex behavior and welfare needs to be catered for as much as possible. 

Learning laboratory animal science

My passion for research animals further developed while taking my undergraduate degree in Animal and Poultry Science, at Virginia Tech. I was introduced to the IACUC, the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Services Policy, and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare – laws, regulations, and organizations promoting the welfare and ethical treatment of research animals. I was moreover exposed to a wide spectrum of lab animal species, and became excited about the breadth of opportunities beyond private veterinary practice. Prior to my undergraduate experience, I was misinformed about laboratory animal testing. Influenced by propaganda from antivivisectionist organizations, I often spoke out against animal use in school projects, in public, and on social media. Now, looking back on the time that I held that mindset, I now see how ignorance can cloud judgement, and how knowledge opened my mind and heart. If I had not opened my mind to the existence of ethical research practices, I would not have realized the professional and personal satisfaction working in this field provides.

Meaningfully improving animal lives

Since earning my BS, I have provided lab animal care at universities, NIH, and in the private sector, and have had the pleasure of working with a wide range of research animal species, including eight species of non-human primates, rats, mice, guinea pigs, mini pigs, swine, sheep, ferrets, zebrafish, and rabbits. Recognizing their intrinsic value and contributions to human and animal medicine alike, I have felt drawn to protect them. I hold a Master’s degree in Animal Science and Behavior and am currently completing a second, in Laboratory Animal Science. My highest aspiration is to become board-certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, specializing in non-human primates. In the AVMA’s veterinarian's Oath, vets swear to apply their knowledge and skills “for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge”. I am aware animal research generates a tension between preventing suffering and advancing medical knowledge. In a future lab animal medicine career, I will use my clinical and management skills to minimize suffering and maximize well-being, contributing to more valid and reproducible research results. As a lab animal vet, I will also educate the public, providing a better understanding of the importance of animal use in research, and be on the front line, contributing to the One Health initiative in a meaningful way, applying the values that once led me to oppose animal research to improve it from within.