Man's best friend - a scientific basis?

[Catherine]

There should be no need to hurt any animal when doing DNA work. It just takes a few cells and they can be obtained painlessly.

What does worry me is the possibility of the genetic similarity leading to lab tests on dogs in the search for new drugs etc. Also the possibility of someone wanting to use dogs for organ transplants to humans. I think we are not similar enough, but that wouldn't stop someone from trying.

I would hope our genetic kinship would make us want to extend more rights to dogs. Of course we are slow to extend rights to all humans so dogs are not worse off in some ways.