PETA Condemns the Iranian Space Agency for Inhumane Animal Testing in Space Missions
PETA strongly denounces the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) for its controversial use of animals in space experiments. The organization is urging the ISA to cease its outdated and unethical practices. Particularly in light of recent reports indicating that live animals were sent into space aboard a rocket.
In a statement, PETA Vice President Shalin Gala emphasized the importance of recognizing animals as sentient beings, stating, "Animals aren't miniature astronauts - they experience fear, confusion, and panic just like we do." PETA is actively calling on the ISA to permanently halt its animal testing missions, emphasizing the need for humane and ethical alternatives.
The ISA has a troubling history of subjecting animals to cruel and scientifically questionable experiments as part of its space exploration initiatives. Notably, in 2013, a distressed monkey was launched into orbit while confined to a crude restraint device. The agency has also utilized various animals, including monkeys, rodents, turtles, and worms, in previous space missions.
PETA, guided by its motto that "animals are not ours to experiment on," vehemently opposes speciesism - a perspective that places humans above other species. The organization is urging the ISA to abandon its exploitative use of animals and adopt more ethical practices in the pursuit of space exploration.
Recent footage released by the Iranian Republic News Agency (IRNA) on December 6 showcased the launch of Iran's "first bio-capsule into space," reportedly carrying animals of unspecified species.
This event follows the exposure of disturbing images in 2013 depicting the ISA's launch of a terrified monkey restrained in a device - an action that PETA U.K. had previously called for the agency to cease in 2011.
Iran's history of employing animals such as rodents, turtles, worms, and monkeys in space missions is well documented. In 2011, the then-head of the ISA, Hamid Fazeli, acknowledged the testing of monkeys to assess their ability to withstand environmental effects during launches.
A monkey previously launched into space by the ISA. Credit: PETA
PETA has formally communicated its concerns to the ISA through a letter, urging the agency to reconsider its use of animals in space experiments and adopt more compassionate and ethical approaches to scientific research.