Alternatives to laboratory animals
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From 1/1-2010 we got a new animal welfare act in Norway.
In the new law says in § 13 about the use of animals in experiments, education and medical activity: "Permission .. can not be granted if the purpose can be achieved without the use of animals, or if the animals are in danger of being subjected to unnecessary stress and pain. No more animals must be used than necessary, and the animals must be strained as little as possible."
In this formulation we recognize the basic values of 3R. Also when applying in FOTS for a permit to do animal experiments, one must show the use of 3R.
In the proposed new EU directive on the protection of animals in research, the 3R has a separate section. The EU conutries are bound to this directive, and Norway as well, throught the EEA-treaty.
50 years' anniversary of the 3R's
In 2009, it is 50 years since Russell and Burch in 1959 launched the book "The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique" in which the 3Rs are introduced. The 3Rs stands for Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. This means that as far as possible, one should use alternatives to animals, one should minimize the number of animals used and refine the experiments so that one reduces the stress and strain on the animals. In many ways the basic values behind the 3R can function as traffic lights for ethically acceptable use of laboratory animals.
Useful links for finding alternatives:
The National Platform for alternatives to animal testing, Norecopa.
NORINA, A Norwegian Inventory of Audiovisuals, database of alternatives to animal testing.
Also see: Alternatives lab at the BBB unit.