Ethical Frameworks for Animal Behaviour Research

Ethical Frameworks for Animal Behaviour in Lab and Field Research

Introduction

  • Importance of balancing scientific knowledge and animal welfare.

  • Presenter: Hannah Rowland.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand ethical considerations in animal behaviour research:

    • Describe and explain the cost–benefit framework in research ethics.

    • Apply the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in behavioural research design.

    • Evaluate research proposals for ethical robustness.

    • Appreciate challenges in wild and captive animal research.

    • Recognize how historical, cultural, and practical factors shape animal research ethics.

Overview

  • Ethics significance in animal behaviour research.

  • Philosophical lenses for ethical reasoning.

  • Transition from philosophy to practical application.

  • The 3Rs:

    • Replacement: methods that avoid or replace the use of animals.

    • Reduction: methods that minimize the number of animals used.

    • Refinement: methods that minimize pain and improve welfare.

  • Case studies focusing on lab and field research.

  • Global and cultural variation in ethical frameworks.

  • Ethics in teaching and student projects.

The Ethical Debate on Animal Research

  • Consideration of various species used in research:

    • Examples include armadillos, cats, cattle, chickens, fruit flies, ferrets, frogs, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, equine species, kangaroos, llamas, monkeys, mice, nematodes, octopuses, opossums, pigs, rabbits, rats, sheep, squids, and zebrafish.

Protection of Research Animals

  • Definition: Protected animals are any living vertebrate (excluding humans) and living cephalopods.

  • Standards of care for animals bred, supplied, and used for scientific procedures.

Statistics on Animal Use in Research

  • In 2020, 7.94 million animals were utilized in the EU and Norway, primarily mice, fish, rats, and birds.

  • Categories of research:

    • Basic Research:

    • Nervous system

    • Ethology/Animal behaviour/Animal biology

    • Immune system

    • Oncology

    • Multisystemic

    • Cardiovascular system (blood and lymphatic)

    • Endocrine/metabolism

    • Gastrointestinal system (including liver)

    • Urogenital/reproductive system

    • Musculoskeletal system

    • Sensory organs

    • Respiratory system

    • Translational and Applied Research:

    • Animal welfare

    • Animal diseases and disorders

    • Human diseases (cancer, mental disorders, infectious disorders, etc.)

    • Non-regulatory toxicology and ecotoxicology.

Drivers and Consequences of Behaviour

  • Diverse approaches needed to understand animal behaviour across biological levels.

  • Issues to tackle:

    • Climate change.

  • Animal welfare and conservation in societal contexts.

Case Study: Wild Bird Tagging

  • Study on the development of culture in wild birds, focusing on the great tit's ability to innovate and conform.

  • Research found that 75% of the population learned new skills via social networks.

  • Technical details of tagging methods:

    • Use of lightweight and non-intrusive tags to minimize stress.

    • RFID technology replaces invasive identification methods.

Ethical Considerations in Fieldwork

  • Ethical implications of utilising animals for research, even with scientific intentions.

  • Example: Conservationists criticize certain surveys or methods that appear harmful.

History of Animal Research Ethics

Key Milestones

  • 1876: UK's Cruelty to Animals Act.

  • 1883: Australia's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

  • 1966: USA's Animal Welfare Act.

  • 1986: UK’s Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.

  • 2004: Establishment of the UK's National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction.

  • 2013: Review of analgesic use in laboratory animals shows increased awareness.

Philosophical Lenses for Animal Research Ethics

  • Utilitarianism:

    • Right actions maximize overall good. E.g., tagging a bird for conservation if it outweighs stress.

  • Deontology:

    • Right actions respect duties and moral rules. E.g., never cause harm even for scientific benefits.

  • Virtue Ethics:

    • Right actions reflect wisdom and compassion. E.g., a humane scientist finds the least intrusive method.

Practical Application of Ethical Ideas

  • Cost-benefit principle:

    • Weigh scientific value against harm.

  • The 3Rs framework aids in ethical decision-making:

    • Replace: Avoid using animals if possible.

    • Reduce: Minimize animal numbers while obtaining good data.

    • Refine: Improve methods to minimize pain and distress.

Cost–Benefit Analysis

Costs Include:

  • Pain, stress, altered behaviour: e.g., handling and tagging causing stress.

  • Reduced fitness: improper tagging might hinder survival.

  • Environmental impacts: disturbance might affect non-target species.

Benefits Include:

  • Improved conservation insights: Identifying crucial areas for bird migrations.

  • Enhanced welfare: Research leading to better zoo and lab enclosures.

  • Enhanced scientific understanding: Changing perspectives on cooperation in social birds.

Ethical Costs Justification

  • Assessing whether studying aggression in endangered species justifies higher ethical costs than using a lab rat model.

In-Depth Definitions of the 3Rs

  • Replacement: Methods avoiding animal use.

  • Reduction: Minimizing numbers while retaining study validity.

  • Refinement: Enhancing animal welfare and minimizing distress.

Non-Invasive Methodologies

  • Advances in research methodologies to reduce animal harm:

    • e.g., DNA sampling methods evolving from fin clipping to skin swabbing.

    • Use of non-invasive approaches preserving study subjects for future research.

Importance of the 3Rs

  • Promote high-quality science by scrutinizing model selection.

  • Help reconcile ethical concerns with animal quality and care standards.

  • Adhere to legislation focusing on animal research ethics.

  • Address societal concerns regarding animal use.

Global Variation in Animal Research Ethics Frameworks

  • Overview of various regulations and ethical frameworks across different countries:

    • Includes directives from the EU (2010/63/EU), USA (AWA + PHS Policy), and guidelines from various national boards.

Ethics in Teaching

  • Ethics is integral to education about animals at universities.

  • Engaging students in ethical dilemmas enhances learning and promotes responsible attitudes toward animal research.

Interactive Learning Tools

  • Reference to an interactive platform for exploring animal ethics through ethical dilemmas, catering to both university and professional training.

Conclusion

  • Ethics are fundamental to sound scientific practices; all research involves moral considerations.

  • The 3Rs provide structure for balancing knowledge with animal welfare needs.

  • Global standards and ethical discussions help ensure trust and transparency in animal research.

Resources for Further Study

  • Suggested materials: ASAB, ABS, NC3Rs, ARRIVE, PREPARE – essential ethics guidelines in animal research.