What is done to reduce suffering?

mouse and test tubes

 

 

 

 

 

Every scientist would prefer to see the end of animal research if that was possible. Each year about £300 million is spent by the pharmaceutical industry alone to try to find alternatives. A lot of progress has been made. Some animal tests are not used at all any more because we now have better ways of doing the test using computers, bacteria, or cell and tissue samples.

The law does not let scientists use animal research if there is a real alternative. If there is no alternative, the scientist must, by law, consider the '3Rs' in everything he or she does. The 3Rs are:

  • Reduction: use the smallest number of animals possible. Sometimes this can be done by changing the experiment or thinking carefully about the species of animal involved.
  • Refinement: do everything you can to make sure the animals suffer as little as possible. This can include things like providing excellent housing and food, and training animals with food rewards so that they are willing to let you take blood samples.
  • Replacement: look for ways to replace animals in part or all of the procedure with something else, such as a computer model or a cell or tissue sample. Replacement is always the best option if it is possible.

For more information about the 3Rs, visit our pages on animal welfare and alternatives and the National Centre for the 3Rs website

 

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