Animal Research Ethics: 3Rs and ASPA

What is the primary reason for not inflicting pain or suffering unnecessarily in animal research?

What is the main purpose of the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986?

What is the status of humans under the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986?

At what point are fish and amphibia protected under the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986?

Why might ASPA not apply to certain individuals or organizations?

What is the primary reason for avoiding unnecessary pain and suffering in animal research?

What is the minimum requirement for an animal to be considered for re-homing?

What is the maximum level of pain, suffering, or distress that a procedure can cause before it is classified as severe?

What is the purpose of a Project Licence in animal research?

What is the main principle behind the 'Replacement' aspect of the 3R's in animal research?

What is the fate of an animal that has undergone a 'non-recovery' procedure?

Ethics in Animal Research

Unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering is avoided for ethical reasons and to maintain a positive public image of research.

The 3Rs in Animal Research

Reduction: minimize the number of animals used
Refinement: minimize suffering and improve animal welfare
Replacement: replace animals with alternative methods or models

Animal Scientific Procedures Act (ASPA) 1986

Legislation protecting animals used in scientific studies
Applies to the use of animals for scientific purposes, not for non-scientific reasons

Protected Animals

All living vertebrates, except humans
Cephalopods (e.g., octopuses, squids)
Fish and amphibians: protected once they can feed independently
Cephalopods: protected from the point of hatching
Embryonic and foetal forms of mammals, birds, and reptiles: protected during the last third of gestation or incubation

Procedure Classifications

Regulated procedure: equivalent to or greater than the pain caused by inserting a hypodermic needle
Non-recovery: procedure under general anesthesia from which the animal will not recover consciousness
Mild: short-term mild pain, suffering, or distress
Moderate: short-term moderate pain, suffering, or distress, or long-lasting mild pain, suffering, or distress
Severe: severe pain, suffering, or distress, or long-lasting moderate pain, suffering, or distress

Licensing

Project licence: outlines project goals, methods, locations, number of animals, and types of regulated procedures
Personal licence: outlines individual permissions within a project

Animal Fates

Humanely killed
Re-used (only if same results cannot be obtained from a naive animal)
Re-homed (must be in good health, pose no human health risks, and have undergone an approved socialisation scheme)
Setting free

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Temporary withdrawal of licence
Permanent withdrawal of licence
Financial penalty
Jail sentence

Learn about the principles guiding animal research, including the 3Rs of Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement, and the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986 (ASPA) that regulates animal use in scientific studies and testing. Understand the importance of ethical considerations in animal research and testing.