Wildlife

Laboratory Animal Welfare and the 3Rs

The 3Rs framework of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement provides a principled approach to minimising harm in animal research.

Key Facts

Around 3 million animals are used in scientific research in the UK each year
Mice, fish, rats, and guinea pigs are the most commonly used research animals
The 3Rs were first proposed by Russell and Burch in 1959
Regulatory frameworks in the EU, UK, and US require adherence to the 3Rs
Alternatives to animal testing include organoids, computer models, and cell cultures

Welfare Considerations

Laboratory animals are used in scientific research that produces significant knowledge and medical advances, but at a welfare cost. The 3Rs framework provides a principled approach: replacing animal use with non-animal alternatives where possible, reducing the number of animals used, and refining procedures to minimise pain and distress. Welfare science continues to improve the conditions under which laboratory animals are kept.

What You Can Do

Support funding for development of animal-free research alternatives
Advocate for strong implementation and enforcement of 3Rs principles
Choose products from companies that do not test on animals where alternatives exist
Support open access to 3Rs guidance and training resources
Raise awareness about the 3Rs as the international standard for animal research welfare