Improving Animal Welfare
Researchers have refined these rats’ habitat by providing bedding material, shelter, and a chew toy. Image © Understanding Animal Research.
In 1959, William Russell and Rex Burch published The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. In it they suggested that researchers can make their experiments more humane by taking the following steps:
- Reduce the number of animals: Researchers should study the minimum number of animals needed to obtain statistically valid results.
- Refine the procedure: Researchers should improve research techniques to make them less painful or distressing to animals.
- Replace animals with non-animal methods: Whenever possible, researchers should answer scientific questions using non-animal methods such as computer models, cell cultures, or chemical tests.
Researchers practice reduction, refinement, and replacement as much as possible but sometimes animal research is the only way to answer a particular scientific question.
Want to learn more?
- Read more about the 3Rs from Speaking of Research.
- The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique is available online from the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing.
Learn more about animal research from
The American Physiological Society. If you have
questions or comments, please email
SciencePolicy@the-aps.org.
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