Overview
WiseLeaf Scientific Ventures requires that all research involving animal subjects adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical conduct. This page outlines the comprehensive requirements for conducting, reporting, and publishing animal research in compliance with international guidelines and regulatory standards.
The Three Rs Framework
The foundational principles guiding ethical animal research
Replacement
Use alternative methods that avoid or replace the use of animals in research wherever possible, including in vitro methods, computer models, and human volunteers.
Reduction
Minimize the number of animals used in research through improved experimental design, statistical analysis, and sharing of data and resources.
Refinement
Modify procedures to minimize pain, distress, and lasting harm while enhancing animal welfare throughout the research process.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Requirements
IACUC Approval Process
- All animal research must receive IACUC approval before initiation
- Protocol must demonstrate scientific merit and appropriate methodology
- Detailed justification for animal use and species selection
- Comprehensive pain and distress assessment and mitigation plans
- Annual protocol reviews and amendments as required
- Post-approval monitoring and compliance verification
- Adverse event reporting and corrective action protocols
Protocol Requirements
- Clear statement of research objectives and hypotheses
- Literature review demonstrating necessity of animal use
- Detailed experimental procedures and timelines
- Sample size justification with statistical power analysis
- Animal housing, care, and environmental enrichment plans
- Veterinary care and health monitoring protocols
- Humane endpoints and euthanasia procedures
Animal Welfare and Care Standards
Housing and Environment
- Species-appropriate housing with adequate space, ventilation, and lighting
- Social housing for gregarious species unless scientifically justified
- Environmental enrichment to promote natural behaviors
- Temperature and humidity control within species-specific ranges
- Regular facility inspection and maintenance protocols
- Emergency backup systems for critical life support
Veterinary Care
- Attending veterinarian oversight and regular health assessments
- Quarantine and health screening protocols for new arrivals
- Preventive medicine programs including vaccinations
- Pain and distress recognition and management
- Clinical intervention protocols for illness or injury
- Euthanasia procedures following professional guidelines
Pain and Distress Management
All procedures must be classified according to potential pain and distress levels. Appropriate anesthesia, analgesia, and post-procedural care must be provided. Researchers must monitor animals continuously and implement humane endpoints to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Species-Specific Considerations
Rodents
Mice, rats, hamsters
Lagomorphs
Rabbits, guinea pigs
Canines
Dogs, special regulations
Felines
Cats, enhanced oversight
Primates
Non-human primates
Aquatic
Fish, amphibians
Special Considerations
- Non-human primates: Enhanced enrichment, social housing, psychological well-being
- Dogs and cats: Additional regulatory oversight and public sensitivity
- Agricultural animals: Farm animal welfare guidelines and husbandry
- Wildlife species: Special permits and conservation considerations
- Aquatic species: Water quality, tank design, and species-specific needs
- Genetically modified animals: Special housing and monitoring requirements
Experimental Design and Statistical Considerations
Study Design Principles
- Power analysis to determine minimum sample sizes
- Randomization and blinding procedures where feasible
- Control groups and appropriate comparison conditions
- Consideration of biological variables (sex, age, strain)
- Multiple timepoints and longitudinal assessments
- Predetermined primary and secondary endpoints
- Statistical analysis plan developed prior to study initiation
Humane Endpoints
- Clearly defined criteria for early termination
- Objective scoring systems for health and welfare assessment
- Training for personnel in endpoint recognition
- 24/7 monitoring protocols for high-risk procedures
- Emergency protocols for unexpected adverse events
- Documentation of endpoint decisions and rationale
Manuscript Reporting Requirements
ARRIVE Guidelines Compliance
- Study design description including experimental timeline
- Animal characteristics: species, strain, sex, age, weight
- Sample size calculation and statistical methods
- Randomization and blinding procedures
- Housing and husbandry conditions
- Detailed experimental procedures and interventions
- Outcome measures and assessment methods
- Adverse events and animals excluded from analysis
Ethics Statement
- IACUC approval number and institution name
- Statement of compliance with national guidelines
- Animal welfare monitoring procedures
- Veterinary oversight and care protocols
- Justification for animal use and species selection
- Pain management and humane endpoint procedures
Transparency Requirements
Authors must provide sufficient detail to allow replication and assessment of animal welfare standards. Failure to meet reporting standards may result in manuscript rejection or required revision.
International Standards and Guidelines
Regulatory Frameworks
- US: Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, USDA regulations
- EU: Directive 2010/63/EU on protection of animals used for scientific purposes
- UK: Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
- Canada: Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines
- Australia: Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals
- International: WHO/OIE guidelines for animal research
Accreditation Programs
- AAALAC International accreditation standards
- Institutional program oversight and quality assurance
- Regular facility inspections and assessments
- Continuous improvement and best practice implementation
- International collaboration and harmonization efforts
Additional Resources
ARRIVE Guidelines
Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines for transparent reporting
Access GuidelinesAAALAC International
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International
Learn MoreNC3Rs
National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research
Visit ResourceQuestions About Animal Research Ethics?
Our editorial team and ethics committee are available to assist with questions about animal research requirements and reporting standards.
Contact Animal Ethics Committee