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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 Accelerating the development and use of predictive and robust models and tools, based on the latest science and technologies, to replace the use of animals in addressing important research questions where they would have otherwise been used. Reduction Appropriately designed and analysed animal experiments that are robust and reproducible, and add to the knowledge base. Refinement Advancing laboratory animal welfare by exploiting the latest in vivo technologies to minimise pain, suffering and distress and improve understanding of the impact of welfare on scientific outcomes. Booklets outlining examples of the application of these principles can be found here .

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Links to resources from other organisations International organisations promoting the ethical care and use of laboratory animals ANZCCART (NZ) has memberships or partnerships with four international organisations that promote greater openness, or the ethical care and humane use, of animals in research, in order to learn from international best practice. AAALAC International In late September 2009, ANZCCART New Zealand was approved for membership of AAALAC International. ANZCCART continues to support the mission and work of AAALAC International by serving as an AAALAC “Member Organization.” ANZCCART joins more than 75+ other prestigious scientific, professional and educational organizations from around the world that have an interest in advancing animal well-being in science. AAALAC International is the world’s largest accrediting body for animal research and education programs. Currently more than 1,175 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions in 52 countries/regions have earned AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use. These institutions volunteer to participate in AAALAC's program, in addition to complying with all applicable local and national laws that regulate animal research. Those that meet or exceed applicable standards are awarded accreditation —a mark of quality assurance recognized around the world. ANZCCART' s continued participation as an AAALAC International Member Organization demonstrates our commitment to responsible animal care and use. It's an opportunity to join with other respected organizations to communicate that excellence in animal welfare is critical to quality science and education. In 2025 ANZCCART Australia joined New Zealand in its AAALAC membership and the two countries now share the same representative For more information on AAALAC visit www.aaalac.org . International Council for Laboratory Animal Science In 2005, ANZCCART New Zealand was approved for membership in the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS). ICLAS is an international scientific organisation dedicated to advancing human and animal health by promoting the ethical care and use of laboratory animals in research worldwide. In 2025 paid membership of ICLAS by ANZCCART New Zealand was extended to include ANZCCART Australia with the two countries sharing the same representative. European Animal Research Association In 2020, ANZCCART signed a MoU with the European Animal Research Association ( EARA ) which reflects a shared commitment to greater openness, improved communications and constructive public discourse in relation to animal research in Australia and New Zealand. In 2022 ANZCCART (Australia and New Zealand) became a full member of EARA. Understanding Animal Research From 2020 to 2022 ANZCCART (Australia and New Zealand) were members of UK’s Understanding Animal Research ( UAR ), which seeks to achieve a broad understanding of the humane use of animals in medical, veterinary, scientific and environmental research. There is now a UAR Oceania with which ANZCCART established an MoU in 2025. The Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association In 2025, ANZCCART signed a MoU with the Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association ( ANZLAA) to promote the ethical, responsible, and transparent use of animals in research and teaching across Australia and New Zealand. ANZLAA is a professional organisation dedicated to supporting individuals involved in the care and use of animals in research and teaching. ANZLAA provides a platform for networking, professional development, and knowledge exchange among laboratory animal professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Oceania region. Feature articles This section includes a selection of external articles that are relevant to researchers, teachers and students who use animals in their work. If you know of an article that should be included in this resource bank please contact us with the full reference. Squeaky clean mice could be ruining research . Nature (2018):Apr 5;556(7699):16-18 Should research animals be named? Science (2015): Vol. 347 no. 6225 pp. 941-943 Line of attack . Science (2015): Vol. 347 no. 6225 pp. 938-940 Resource bank and recommendations on best practice ANZCCART aims to promote best practice whenever animals are used for research, testing or teaching. This resource bank contains articles, newsletters and information that will help you keep up to date with the latest developments in animal welfare. Statistical design for animal welfare. We strongly recommend the resources on designing animal experiments provided by Michael Festing . Alt web (resource database hosted by Johns Hopkins University) Animal Welfare Act 1999 (Parliamentary Council Office website) ANZCCART Conferences on animal welfare in the context of research, testing and teaching Culture of Care (A NAEAC guide for people working with animals in research, testing and teaching) (PDF, 393 kb, 6 pages) Ethical guidelines for Tertiary students in laboratory classes involving the use of animals and animal tissues (ANZCCART NZ resource, 1 page PDF) Ethical guidelines for tertiary students .pdf Download PDF • 172KB Guide to the Animal Welfare Act (Ministry of Primary Industries website) SPCA New Zealand The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) website The National Animal Welfare Committee (NAWAC) website

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