In order to train and prepare soldiers for medical emergencies out on the battlefield, the military uses live animals, cats, dogs, pigs, goats and others, to simulate possible scenarios. The animals are purposely injured. The injuries include being shot, stabbed, or having bones broken. Afterwards, the animals are killed. The Department of Defense continues using these methods despite there being effective alternatives available.
Simulators that accurately mimic a human being or human cadavers can be used to replace animals in this kind of training. Many argue that this is just as effective and perhaps even better as a training technique because the human body is much different than a goat’s body. Many trauma courses have stopped using animals, but the military continues on with the mutilations.
A video was recently leaked showing Coast Guard training where a goat's legs were being cut off with tree trimmers. PETA, other animal rights groups, and some medical professionals feel that the practice is unnecessary and extremely cruel. Due to the anatomical differences of animals and humans many medical professionals say this type of medical training is unhelpful and inaccurate.
The Washington Post reported on these concerns, explaining the arguments on both sides. Congress has also decided to move on the issue, requesting that the Pentagon present a report on how the military could phase out this practice of animal mutation. The Washington Post reports that this “marks the first time Congress has ordered the Pentagon to provide a detailed plan to start relying less on animals and more on simulators.”
Many are now waiting for the Pentagon's report, hoping for this animal abuse to come to an end.
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