Offended by Experiment on Toads
On June 3 an article appeared concerning the scientific study of toads in the San Fernando Valley.
Sadly, it includes the description of an experiment by two Cal State Northridge biologists who cut the eyes out of the toads just to find out if the toads would still find the way back to their pond.
Times staff writer Doug Smith coldly reports, “Toads that had their eyes cut out could do just as well as healthy ones.” (We take it for granted that all the specimens used to be healthy, until these so-called biologist got involved.)
How in the name of science has humanity benefited from this experiment? The fact that toads have an interesting sense of direction does not diminish the needless cruelty of the experiment. It lessens the humanity of all of us when we allow the creations of nature to suffer so poorly from the hand of man.
LEON D. BAYER
Woodland Hills
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