Dissection Free For Me!

From http://www.runet.edu/~caar/dissection/facts.html

The Animals
Animals that are most commonly dissected include frogs, turtles, mice, rats, worms, cats, rabbits, fetal pigs, birds, dogs, and fish. They come from breeding facilities, slaughterhouses, their natural habitats, pet stores, local pounds, and even animal dealers and thieves. Many are killed and "processed" at biological supply companies.

Most animals are killed and dissected (cut apart). Others are vivisected (subjected to an invasive procedure while alive) in demonstrations.

Animals used for dissection can have a miserable existence in the process of being captured, transported, and ultimately killed.

You

The hazardous chemicals used to preserve dead animals as specimens threaten both the environment and human health. Formaldehyde, the most widely used preservative, is a suspected carcinogen; it can harm the environment and poses a health risk to students through skin contact or inhalation of fumes.

Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation; a persistent cough; respiratory distress; skin irritation; nausea; headache; and dizziness.

Alternatives

Available programs include simulations of the anatomy and/or physiology of humans, rats, frogs, fetal pigs, sharks, and crayfish and other invertebrates. CD-ROMs and videodiscs can offer still, animated, and live-action images, substantial text, and a soundtrack.