Communication of the Three Rs within Establishments: Some Problems and Solutions

Abstract

A meeting was organised by the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA) Alternatives Section to provide a forum in which ideas for strategies to raise awareness of the Three Rs could be discussed. One of the main objectives of the meeting was to identify effective strategies which could feasibly be implemented at establishments. In general, there are two main ways in which Three Rs information can be obtained and communicated. Individuals can be assigned to a role with specific responsibilities (for example, a named alternatives expert), or committees can be established, with a remit to find ways to reduce, refine and/or replace animal use (for example, an alternatives committee). The meeting involved invited speakers who are engaged in obtaining and communicating Three Rs information, and this report presents a summary of the advantages and limitations of various approaches that are being undertaken.