Abstract

Scientific integrity is a modern paradigm of science and marks some regulatory principles of how to do research in the contemporary world. Among the relevant aspects of integrity is the proper use of animals, of all kinds, in research. Issues such as sentience and animal welfare have gained ground in public consciousness, which is increasingly demanding better quality in our relationships with other animals, in addition to putting pressure on the creation of public policies and regulations. To avoid pain and suffering that can be avoided, mitigate it when impossible to avoid, and minimize the number of animals used, the principle of the 3Rs (reduction, replacement and refinement) is applied. The application of this principle also seeks to obtain scientific results that are reliable. It is impossible to separate the task of science from ethical considerations; therefore, in this chapter some ethical considerations to contemplate when applying the principle of the 3Rs in relation to the use of animals in research are presented. The 3Rs continues to be a valuable principle that adapts to changes in the morality of humanity and whose application requires ethical considerations that include particularities of the historical moment, such as morality, culture, legislation, and scientific progress.