Sacred Cows and Golden Geese: The Human Cost of Experiments on Animals (Hardcover)

by C. Ray Greek (Author), Jean Swingle Greek (Author), Jane Goodall (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this compelling report, anesthesiologist Ray Greek and veterinarian Jean Swingle Greek argue against the use of animals in medical experiments. Although the Greeks believe that animal experiments are immoral and wasteful, they avoid the philosophical arguments used by most animal rights activists to generate sympathy for animals. Instead, they marshal a devastating amount of scientific evidence about the human consequences of animal-based medical research. Because of important differences in animal and human physiology, they contend, animals often have a wildly different response to diseases and medications than do humans--according to the authors, every year roughly 100,000 Americans die of adverse reactions to drugs that proved, in animals, to be perfectly safe. Why then do we continue to support widespread animal testing? They pack their well-written, shocking expos? with horror stories--about the unnecessary expense of animal experiments; about medications that, though animal tests suggested they were safe, caused liver and heart failure, hemorrhages and death in humans; and about the potentially life-saving drugs that have been kept off the market for humans because they cause harmful side effects in animals. Throughout, the authors make a strong case for the adoption of nonanimal research alternatives such as clinical observation, in vitro and epidemiological studies, diagnostic imaging of patients, mandatory postmarketing drug surveillance, autopsies, computer modeling and larger, longer clinical trials. Their powerful, courageous appeal is essential reading for concerned citizens and open-minded physicians, veterinarians and scientists. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Every day we use products, take medications, and benefit from medical procedures that have all been tested on animals. If we think about it at all, we assume that the testing has made the products and procedures safe for human use. The authors, both of whom are medical professionals who have performed experiments on animals, assert that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, they contend that the animal model has harmed and even killed people. Yet animal testing is an institution required by the FDA and relied upon by pharmaceutical companies as they attempt to avoid malpractice litigation. Indeed, the medical research establishment, including higher education, depends upon research dollars to keep this industry operable. Sacred Cows and Golden Geese covers the history of animal experimentation, legislation that promulgates it, the real cost to humans, and alternatives. It is a well-written, if disturbing, book that should serve to awaken us from complacency.
-Peggie Partello, Keene State Coll. Lib., N.H.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826412262
• ISBN-13: 978-0826412263
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,332,048 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Expose' Long Overdue, April 30, 2000

By	Lawrence Rathbun, M.D. (Mobile, AL) - See all my reviews

This book is a FIRST. Backed by facts, not perpetuated by myth, Dr. Greek, et al have finally addressed a subject that has been concealed for too long. His "Just show me the data" approach has illuminated (not favorably) many research misdirections. Medical science has been hindered because of ignorance and greed. Money that could have gone to meaningful research has lined the pockets of pseudo-scientists. I am a medical doctor who was formerly involved in research, and I know that what Dr. Greek says is true. Progress can only be made through awareness, and now it is here. If you want to keep your head in the sand and believe the lies and subterfuge surrounding medical research, do NOT read this book. The first book I have read non-stop since Hunt for Red October. A MUST!

28 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just Animals Suffer, April 29, 2000

By	Tershia d'Elgin (San Diego, California) - See all my reviews

Finally, voices against animal experimentation that the medical establishment will not successfully derogate! In this book, scientists and science-minded readers will find exhaustive proof that research and testing that uses animals is not only cruel, but also senseless and dangerous. It's high time someone uncovered how often funds allocated to useless animal-modeled research keep people sick, and how often animal-modeled data make people suffer and even die. Written by a doctor and a veterinarian, Sacred Cows and Golden Geese addresses the topic comprehensively, intelligently, and in a style most readers will appreciate. The Greeks' book should upend misinformation perpetrated by the many, many organizations and businesses that profit from this wholly unscientific convention. As the book explains, delirium over dollars perpetuates animal experimentation. The Greeks write that they regularly debate animal experimenters and animal experimentation lobbyists. Maybe this book will put one of those debates on national television so the public can appreciate the scope of danger and deception animal experimentation exposes us to. I look forward to the Greeks' next book, which they say will cover even more medical disciplines. Everyone should read Sacred Cows and Golden Geese.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Animal research: An unnecessary evil, May 5, 2000

By	Barbara Stagno (New York) - See all my reviews

The authors uncover a troubling reality: that truly effective methods of medical research - such as autopsies, epidemiological studies, and clinical observation - don't pay. Whereas experimenting on animals generates not only lots of useless data, but lots and lots of money. The book is extremely readable and will take its place among other classic exposés which have blown the lid off of institutionalized deceit. Armed with this information, the American public can - and must - rightfully demand reform.