The Three Rs

We understand the suspicion of those who view the 3Rs as eyewash. It is indeed possible that some in the experiment industry will use the language of the 3Rs without ever having a real commitment to reducing, refining and replacing animals in experiments.

Nevertheless, we remain convinced that the Centre for the 3Rs represents a real opportunity for major changes. However, the correctness of our support won't ultimately be about one opinion against another: it'll be about whether there are significant falls in the numbers of animals used, particularly in key areas such as primates and procedures of substantial severity. That's why we've asked the National Centre for the 3Rs to provide benchmarks for their progress.

If everyone in the animal welfare world acts as if the Centre for the 3Rs is a complete con, this will be a self-sulfilling prophecy - because the only people talking to the Centre will be those from the experiment industry. If, however, some of us take the view that this Centre represents an opportunity for real progress, then we can hold them to account to produce results.