Relevance, Impartiality, Welfare and Consent: Principles of an Animal-Centered Research Ethics

The principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs) were developed to address the ethical dilemma that arises from use animals, without their consent, in procedures may harm them but are deemed necessary achieve a greater good. While aiming protect 3Rs underpinned by process-centered perspective which regards as instruments scientific apparatus. This paper explores applicability an animal-centered ethics animal research, whereby animals would be regarded autonomous subjects, legitimate stakeholders contributors research process, with own interests capable consenting dissenting involvement. derives stance taken within field Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI), where researchers acknowledge approach is essential ensuring best outcomes. We propose relevance, impartiality, welfare consent , scoring system help delegated authorities assess extent procedure aligns them. could determine when being involved indeed animal's interests, adjusted increase its standard or non-animal methods more urgently advisable. argue proposed should complement integrated framework recognizes animals' autonomy, role, for nuanced supporting possible benefit partakers wider society.