Animal welfare and ethics - Chapter 5*

Where is the line drawn for what counts as animal research? (djurförsök)*

Research animals, definition

“Research animals means animals that are used or intended to be used in animal experiments. Research animals also means animals that have been used or have been intended to be used in animal experiments and that are kept at a facility or in another housing area for experimental animals.”

When are ethical permits needed?*

• Certain species

  • Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, cyclostomata and octopus

• Certain experiments*

What are the three R’s when it comes to animal research?

Replacement

• Use alternatives to live animals whenever possible

  • In vitro methods

  • Computer modelling or simulations

  • Use of lower-sentience organisms

Reduction

• Minimize the number of animals used

  • Not using more animals than needed … but enough to obtain statistical significance

  • Re-using animals

  • Shared data

Refinement

• Improve procedures to reduce pain, suffering, and distress

  • Better anaesthesia and analgesia protocols

  • Humane endpoints

  • Environmental enrichment and improved housing

  • Non-invasive techniques

  • Sedatives

  • Non-invasive marking and tagging

  • Habituation and training

  • Humane euthanasia

Higher and lower sentient?*

What are the five R’s?*