Ethics of Research involving animals
Summary
12.29 Effective implementation of Refinement and Reduction requires both concepts to be considered at an early stage to improve the general research strategy of a project. A staged approach before embarking on large or complex experiments is useful, starting with thorough background research of the published literature and considering the possibility of conducting a small pilot study. Effective teamwork also plays a significant role, involving staff with a wide range of relevant expertise, in for example in vitro technology, experimental design, statistics, and animal care.
12.30 We observed that the concept of Reduction is best understood as requiring ‘the use of fewer animals in each experiment without compromising scientific output and the quality of biomedical research and testing, and without compromising animal welfare’. To improve its application, the importance of appropriate research strategies, better control of variation among animals, better statistical analysis and the avoidance of duplication need to be recognised. We considered successful examples of Reduction in regulatory testing and noted that harmonisation of international test guidelines can contribute significantly to further reduction.
12.31 Refinement is probably the most effective of the Three Rs in achieving immediate reduction of pain and suffering, and improvement of welfare of animals involved in research. The approach is of great relevance since reducing pain, suffering and distress is a crucial aspect of the moral debate about animal research, and a legal requirement. It is also important scientifically since the physical and psychological welfare of laboratory animals can have a significant effect on the scientific validity of experimental results.
12.32 Possibilities for implementing Refinement were considered in four areas: housing, husbandry and care, experimental procedures, pain management and humane endpoints. Refinement of housing conditions is particularly important since the quality of animals’ cage or pen environments can have a major impact on their lives. While standards for laboratory housing are defined in the Home Office Codes of Practice for the husbandry and care of animals and relevant European guidelines, the requirements represent minimum standards. There should be relatively few scientific barriers to Refinement, and these should be considered on a case by case basis. A fundamental principle is never to assume that current practice is best practice. All the techniques and protocols that are used at regular intervals should be reviewed and critically assessed throughout the duration of any research programme. We present our conclusions and recommendations about the implementation of the Three Rs in Chapter 15 (paragraphs 15.57–15.62) and now turn to the regulation of animal research.