Legislation for the 3Rs principle

The principle of the 3Rs is an important basis for research involving animals. The requirements for obtaining a license for an animal experiment are defined as follows in the Swiss Ordinance on Animal Protection:

Article 137 The applicant must prove that the aim of the experiment:

a. is related to the preservation or protection of human and animal life and health;

b. is likely to lead to new knowledge about fundamental life processes; or

c. serves to protect the natural environment.

2 It must also demonstrate that the experimental objective cannot be achieved by methods that do not involve animal experiments and that are suitable according to the state of knowledge.

3 The method must be suitable for achieving the experimental objective, considering the current body of knowledge.

4 An animal experiment and its individual parts must be planned in such a way that:

a. the smallest necessary number of animals is used, and least possible constraint is caused to the animals

b. the most appropriate procedures are used to evaluate the results of the experiment, and statistical procedures reflecting the current state of knowledge are applied; and

c. the individual parts are staggered in an appropriate targeted manner.

These specifications prescribe the use of the 3Rs principle for every animal experiment.