Rehoming: una possibile strategia scientifica ed etica per una riforma progressiva dell’impiego di animali da laboratorio

In order to facilitate the use of animal experimental procedures more and more attentive and respectful of their welfare in 1959 the principle of “3Rs” (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) was introduced. That principle, expressly reaffirmed by the Directive 2010/63/EU has been modified over time compared to the original formulation with the introduction of a fourth R, the so-called Rehoming. In this note, the authors carry out a brief review of the innovative elements of the new Directive and discuss the scientific and ethical implications arising from the application of the “fourth R”, expressing the hope that the national legislature, in transposing Community legislation, will take into account the importance of the final phase of the experimental procedure.