The Three Rs
Animal Welfare Principles for research, testing and teaching
The Three Rs — replacement, reduction and refinement — were first introduced by the authors Russell and Burch in their 1959 book, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (available through the Johns Hopkins Alt Web website and the abridged version on the norecopa website). Since then these ideas have become fundamental principles in the area of animal welfare for research, testing and teaching.
Replacement
Where possible an alternative to using animals must be used. This could include a computer model or cell culture (where animal or human cells are grown in a laboratory). Alternatives to using live animals in teaching involve the use of mannequins/plastic models or recorded videos of animal procedures in veterinary or science classes. Researchers can also conduct experiments in species without complex nervous systems. This may involve choosing species for experiments that are not classified as ‘animals’ according to the Animal Welfare Act, such as insects or nematode worms. ANZCCART aims to help researchers, teachers and ethics committees know about and understand the alternatives to animal use. We promote recent developments in this area through our newsletters and conferences.
Reduction
Reduction refers to using less animals in research, testing and teaching than would have been used with older methods. Researchers should aim to minimise the number of animals used to obtain good experimental results. If the quantity of data in an experiment is too small, it will not be possible to conduct meaningful statistical analysis. Researchers should conduct a power calculation, which estimates the minimum number of animals needed for meaningful analysis and avoids using more animals than required. Animal use can also be reduced through the development of new technologies. For example, non-invasive medical imaging technologies can obtain data from each animal multiple times meaning more data can be gathered from fewer animals. ANZCCART promotes the principle of Reduction through the development of training programmes for people using animals and through information provided in our newsletters and conferences.
Refinement
At all times the health and wellbeing of animals should be a priority. Refinement involves modifying procedures to minimise the pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm experienced by animals in research, testing and teaching. Refinements might include improving the housing conditions for animals, modifying procedures to reduce animal handling-distress or providing appropriate analgesia and anaesthesia in surgical experiments. As much as possible the animal should be able to live normally, free from any pain and suffering, throughout the research, teaching or testing process. Good animal husbandry and care is good for both the animal and the researcher, because unnecessarily distressed animals do not provide good quality scientific data. ANZCCART works alongside the government, research institutions and Animal Ethics Committees to promote Refinement. We present regular updates on topics such as anaesthesia in research animals through our publications and conferences. We work alongside schools and other teaching institutions to promote awareness of animal research and encourage the use of good animal husbandry practices in all instances where animals are used for research or teaching.
Booklets outlining examples of the application of these principles can be found here.
Resource links
Download 3Rs Poster (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 6.7 MB, 1 page)