A veterinary team of researchers has developed a new framework called Animal-Centered Research (ACRf) aimed at enhancing ethical practices in animal research. The framework integrates specific principles such as relevance, impartiality, welfare, and consent into existing processes to ensure that research designs prioritize animal welfare.
The ACRf encourages researchers to consider animal consent in a symbolic way and emphasizes the importance of the animal perspective in scientific investigations. A recent theoretical study applied the ACRf to a research protocol on pig stress response, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving scientific validity and ethical integrity in animal research.
While acknowledging that there are limitations to the ACRf in certain cases, such as regulatory studies, it still serves as a valuable tool to highlight the animal perspective and promote the use of alternative non-animal methods when necessary.
The adoption of the ACRf could potentially revolutionize how ethical review bodies and researchers approach ethical challenges in animal research, ensuring that practices are not only scientifically sound but also ethically responsible. Veterinarians and professionals in the field are encouraged to consider implementing this framework in their future research endeavors to prioritize animal welfare and rights.
The ACRf is a step towards creating a more holistic and respectful approach to animal research, taking into account the well-being and ethical treatment of non-human living beings.