Guidelines for the ethical use of animals in applied ethology studies

Abstract

Applied ethology has a continuing interest in the promotion of animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals used in research. However, in contrast to some other fields involving animal research, there are currently no guidelines written specifically for those engaged in applied ethology studies. We aim here, to provide members of the profession with a basis for structured self-evaluation of the ethical nature of their work, and to serve as inspiration for those planning research involving the use of animals. The first three sections of this document discuss the background to why ethical guidelines are needed in applied ethology studies and the relation between these guidelines and legislation. In the first section, we briefly discuss the relevant ethical principles and decision models. The main body of the guidelines then discuss how ‘costs’ to the animals in applied ethology research can be minimised (using the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement) and ‘benefits’ maximised. An earlier version of this manuscript was presented to the Annual General Meeting of the International Society of Applied Ethology, which accepted this as the basis of ethical review for papers presented at their International Congresses.