Rethinking the Three R's in Animal Research

Challenging the established principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in animal research, the author critiques their relevance in contemporary behavioral sciences. He contends that these guidelines, originating in the 1950s, are outdated and that concepts such as refinement and reduction are often poorly defined. The work advocates for a reevaluation of these principles, emphasizing that they should only apply when replacement methods are not feasible, urging for more effective and humane research practices.