The 3 Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement
The 3 Rs principles (replacement, reduction and refinement) provide a framework for the ethical use of animals in RTT. They are a critical cornerstone of RTT that must be considered by anyone who intends to use animals in RTT activities. They are recognised in New Zealand’s animal welfare legislation, the Animal Welfare Act 1999, and animal ethics committees must consider the 3 Rs when reviewing any projects for approval.
The 3 Rs refer to:
- Replacement – replace animals with non-sentient or non-living alternatives.
- Reduction – reduce the number of animals that are used to the minimum necessary.
- Refinement – refine the techniques used with animals so that harm is minimised, and benefits are maximised.
In New Zealand there is no legal requirement for RTT organisations to provide information regarding the implementation of the 3 Rs however some organisations have proactively provided this information to MPI. To better understand the landscape across RTT organisations, MPI started systematically gathering 3 Rs information in 2022.
Each year any individual or organisation who uses animals in RTT must provide specific information to MPI regarding their use according to the Animal Welfare (Records & Statistics) Regulations 1999 (summary below).
Read more about animal use statistics
In 2022, MPI included optional questions regarding the 3 Rs alongside the mandatory animal use statistics questions. This information comprised the first-ever 3 Rs dataset across New Zealand RTT organisations. Aggregate data and the case studies were included in the 2022 New Zealand Animal Use Statistics report.
MPI continues to collect 3 Rs information each year with an aim to elevate the profile of 3 Rs work throughout New Zealand by increasing awareness and transparency.
Read more about the 3 Rs
Aotearoa New Zealand John Schofield 3Rs Award
The Aotearoa New Zealand John Schofield 3Rs Award celebrates achievement in the development and/or implementation of the 3Rs. John Schofield was a veterinarian with huge national and international recognition whose work focused on the welfare of animals used in research and teaching. He contributed extensively to develop new ways to advance the 3Rs, implement them in his work, and support others to do so. This award was created to recognise similar achievements by others in this important area of research, testing, and teaching.
The biennial $10,000 award is jointly offered by the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) and the New Zealand board of the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART(NZ)).
For information relating to the next award cycle, forward any queries to naeac@mpi.govt.nz
Fourth R
NAEAC received and discussed an internal paper suggesting that adding the concept of 'Respect' as a fourth R could unify competing ethical perspectives to further improve animal welfare.
The concept of respect could be applied across different ethical views. For example, the term 'Respect' addresses the anti-vivisection perspective that all animals have an inherent value while remaining compatible with the science perspective that animals have instrumental value.
NAEAC has agreed to support the fourth R in principle and will continue discussions on the matter.
Who to contact
If you have any questions about NAEAC, email naeac@mpi.govt.nz