Year after year, UNF uses animal dissection as the major foundation for learning Anatomy & Physiology. Using animals that are captured, bred or killed for dissections does nothing more than contribute to animal cruelty. The UNF Anatomy & Physiology Lab Manual states the cats used are "often obtained and prepared by biological supply companies, which purchase the animals from human animal control centers or slaughterhouses." Humane slaughterhouses do not exist! UNF will tell you the animals come from humane sources but there is no way of truly knowing. Some biological supply companies have come under scrutiny for cruel and inhumane treatment of animals "processed" for dissection. Cats who were once pets have been stolen and sold for profit both in the U.S. and Mexico to be used for dissections in college classes.

There are alternatives to animal dissections in the form of CD-ROM dissections and videos, as well as models. Studies have shown that students who learn from the alternatives test as well as, and often superior to, those who performed dissections. Currently, UNF does not allow students to use the alternatives, even if it violates your moral, ethical, or in some cases religious beliefs. They will not even allow alternatives if you are allergic to formaldehyde. Their reasoning for not allowing alternatives is that it violates the right of faculty to design and teach courses based upon their professional expertise and judgment.

By signing this petition, you are stating that you feel college students at UNF should have the right to refuse animal dissections and be able to use an alternative in its place. Students should NOT have to compromise their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs to learn!