Abstract
The ‘Three Rs’ tenet (replacement, reduction, refinement) is a widely accepted cornerstone of Canadian and international policies on animal-based science. The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) initiated this web-based survey to obtain greater understanding of ‘principal investigators’ and ‘other researchers’ (i.e. graduate students, post-doctoral researchers etc.) views on the Three Rs, and to identify obstacles and opportunities for continued implementation of the Three Rs in Canada. Responses from 414 participants indicate that researchers currently do not view the goal of replacement as achievable. Researchers prefer to use enough animals to ensure quality data is obtained rather than using the minimum and potentially waste those animals if a problem occurs during the study. Many feel that they already reduce animal numbers as much as possible and have concerns that further reduction may compromise research. Most participants were ambivalent about re-use, but expressed concern that the practice could compromise experimental outcomes. In considering refinement, many researchers feel there are situations where animals should not receive pain relieving drugs because it may compromise scientific outcomes, although there was strong support for the Three Rs strategy of conducting animal welfare-related pilot studies, which were viewed as useful for both animal welfare and experimental design. Participants were not opposed to being offered “assistance” to implement the Three Rs, so long as the input is provided in a collegial manner, and from individuals who are perceived as experts. It may be useful for animal use policymakers to consider what steps are needed to make replacement a more feasible goal. In addition, initiatives that offer researchers greater practical and logistical support with Three Rs implementation may be useful. Encouragement and financial support for Three Rs initiatives may result in valuable contributions to Three Rs knowledge and improve welfare for animals used in science.
Highlights
In Canada, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is the national organization with the responsibility for overseeing the care and use of animals in science
CCAC is mandated to act in the interests of the people of Canada 1) to ensure that the use of animals in science employs optimal care according to acceptable scientific standards and 2) to promote an increased level of knowledge, awareness and sensitivity to relevant ethical principles
Analysis We used the post-survey demographics as a way to filter participants and, as much as possible, ensure that we report the views of our target participants: principal investigators (PIs) and other researchers (ORs)
Summary
In Canada, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is the national organization with the responsibility for overseeing the care and use of animals in science. Studies show that the CCAC mandate is well-supported by the Canadian public. Gauthier and Griffin [1] estimated that public acceptance of the use of animals in science is approximately 85% when regulation is in place and pain and distress are minimized. A study to determine the effect of regulation on public acceptance of animalbased science found that support for invasive procedures was higher when use was regulated versus not regulated [3]. As these examples illustrate, regulatory oversight is necessary to maintain the support of a public that both accepts the use of animals in science, and is concerned about animal welfare and minimizing pain and distress
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