Animal rights protestors picket Muskegon research company | News

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - Protesters outside a Muskegon biomedical research company say we no longer need to test new drugs and therapies on animals.

"It should be illegal," argues animal rights advocate Kara Moon. "It's not right."

During a demonstration Wednesday outside Northern Biomedical Research, members of Speak Up said scientists can do most of their experiments on computers.

"Don't use animals at all," says Moon. "It's not needed. They can use computer models."

In a response distributed by fax, the company said their work with animals is providing help and hope for suffering people. 

"Dogs, cats, sheep, mice, and monkeys," says Moon "They are in cages in there."

"I just think its time to make a change," agreed protester Justin Tyler. "It's not necessary."

According to company documents, Northern Biomedical Research has been operating for over 20 years.  Their objective is to assist in the development of cures or therapies for diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis.

NBR officials say they must pass frequent, unannounced government inspections.  They say no pet or animal from a pound or shelter has ever been used in their experiments.

"They are doing trials on Alzheimers, Lou Gehrig's Disease, all things we need to find cures for," agrees Moon. "But I feel like this is cruelty to animals. It's not necessary."