Table 4.

Other areas where respondents indicated that a veterinary contribution could be made.

1.Emphasising integrating statistics and good scientific practices in animal research which should, ideally, be carried out scientifically. (See also the PREPARE and ARRIVE guidelines in animal research for other applicable guidance.)

2.Emphasising integrating better scientific practices in animal protection which should, ideally, be carried out sympathetically and incorporate a better understanding of human behaviour and attitudes.

3.Teaching more on the biological functioning of the animal species involved, their behavioural repertoire and motivations, behavioural development, and a clinical approach to behavioural disorders so that animal suffering can be mitigated.

4.Incorporating the concept of “animal expectations” (see ANSES 2018) and its application.

5.Including the application of the Three Rs ethical framework in areas of animal use other than in experimentation.

6.Integrating AWSEL more into clinical veterinary ethical dilemmas in practice, such as the integration of a better understanding of animal behaviour e.g., low-stress handling, pain recognition, euthanasia, overtreatment, clinical research, etc. These clinical aspects are important in engaging veterinarians in the ‘real-world’ applications of AWSEL.

7.Increasing the teaching of AWSEL e.g., scientific approaches to the assessment of avoidable animal pain, distress and suffering in all aspects of animal use globally. There is enormous potential for this approach to have a wide impact in the future.