This section contains a selection of resources highlighting the alternatives to using animals in research, testing and teaching. It is not yet possible to replace all animal use in research, testing and teaching. The biology of live animals is often too complex to be replicated entirely by alternative methods in research experiments. Non-animal teaching methods (e.g. mannequins or video recordings) can reduce the use of live-animals in teaching but it would not be appropriate for students to graduate with no live-animal experience before moving into careers working with animals. However, alternative or replacement methods complement live-animal use and collectively can reduce live-animal use overall, and the wording "alternative" and "replacement" are used interchangeably.

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• Replacement means that where possible we encourage and support the replacement of animal use with alternatives (e.g., cell cultures).

• Reduction is about reducing the numbers of animals used in research, testing and teaching, without impacting on the quality of the data gained. This can be achieved through robust training programmes, preventing duplication of studies and ensuring good study design.

 

ANZCCART Resources

 

The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) and the Ministry for Primary Industries have produced a series of booklets on the application of the three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animals in research and teaching. The following focus on replacement and reduction.

• Cell-based Disease Models (replacement) (2019)

• Computer Assisted Learning (replacement) (2021)

• Mannequins and Dummies (replacement) (2021)

• Alternatives to shellfish toxicity testing (replacement) (2018)

• Fireflies to the rescue (reduction) (2019)

• Mathematical models (reduction) (2022)

• Tissue sharing (reduction) (2024)

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