Write 500 words, get your dog cloned for free
There are only a few more hours remaining in a contest with an unusual prize -- a cloned canine.
The California company that last month announced a series of online auctions to clone dogs is now sponsoring an essay contest in which the winner gets free dog cloning. The New York Daily News reports:
BioArts International has launched the Golden Clone Giveaway, in which one lucky dog lover will be selected to have his or her favorite pooch duplicated from DNA.
"Over the objections of our accountant, we have decided to give away one dog cloning slot to the family with the most 'clone-worthy' dog in the world," said BioArts CEO Lou Hawthorne (pictured with dogs cloned from his family pet).
Contestants have until 3 p.m. today to submit a photo of their furry friend and a 500-word essay describing why their pooch should live on in perpetuity through genetic replicas.
Scientists consider dogs among the most difficult animals to clone because of their unusual reproductive biology. So some doubt has been cast on the firm's ability to deliver on its claims. The company maintains its project, called Best Friends Again, will be successful.
So if you have a way with words, want a doggy doppelganger and can't swing the auction's $100,000 minimum bid, perhaps this is your chance. The winner will be announced on June 30.
-- Tony Barboza
People who clone dogs and other animals are playing God. In the United States there are millions of priceless and invaluable canines, felines and other companion animals that have the potential to be ireplaceable pets.
Posted by: Brien Comerford | June 25, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Dogs have personalities that are shaped by their environment. It would be an insult to the memory of your dog to clone him and enjoy the clone as if he were the original. Would it be right to do it with your mother or father, or sister or brother? Why should it be any less appalling for your fury family members?
Posted by: Jay | June 26, 2008 at 08:42 PM