the 4th R

The ethos of I-CARE is the sacredness of life and the Indian concept of Ahimsa.

However, in the real world we see and we will continue to see the harmful and often the needless use of animals in experimentation.

Modern legislations on the animal experimentation always include the credo of the Three "R"

1. Replace (replace animals with non animal methods)

2. Reduce (reduce the number animals used)

3. Refine (refine experimental techniques to make them less painful)

In this scenario, with our experiences, we believe the 4th R - "Rehabilitation" of laboratory animals is a befitting moral continuum of Three R credo.

I-CARE will work to mitigate/avoid any form of pain or suffering in laboratory animals, by way of direct intervention, if possible, veterinary assistance or permanent rehabilitation. In this, I-CARE will network and support veterinarians, animal shelters and organisations that render time and effort to take care of laboratory animals.

The founders of I-CARE have been directly involved in rehabilitation of laboratory animals for several years.

The concept of rehabilitation, though beautiful, is difficult. It is not a romantic vision of an animal which gets out from the stable/cage of a laboratory and which can run into a lawn free and happy. An idyllic situation like this, does not correspond to rehabilitated laboratory animal's demands and could even kill the animal.

In our experience of rehabilitating laboratory animals like rats, mice, rabbits, horses, mules, dogs, cats and primates, we have observed that the rehabilitation almost always presents several problems which, however, are resolvable.

Even in animals that have not been subjected to any experiment, but rescued from a laboratory, even if physically healthy the psychological trauma is obvious.

Animals are normally rehabilitated in the following situations:

• Animals released on termination of a specific study/project/experiment or in the instance of closure of a company/industry.
• Animals rescued from laboratories because of legal irregularities.
• Animals involved in not terminal studies.
• Animals involved in behavioural and ethological studies.
• Animals surrendered on adoption of non animal experimental techniques.
• Animals, especially pups, coming from teratogenic studies (observation of possible damages during the pregnancy) which do not succumb to toxic effects.

The 4th R therefore is one of the most important projects of I-CARE and the objectives are:

• to network with institutes/rehabilitation centres worldwide that invest time and effort in the care of rehabilitated laboratory animals;
• to encourage, support and conduct behavioral/ethological studies on rehabilitated animals in order to study the physiological and psychological impact on experimented and caged animals;
• to contribute to the diffusion of information on the possibilities and the methodologies of the rehabilitation

For any kind of help, support, advise, in the rehabilitation of laboratory animals please contact: 4thR@icare-worldwide.org

The 4th R project is dedicated to the memory of Jerom and millions like Jerom who could not and will not see life beyond the cage.

Read the story of Jerom.