Linking animal and human welfare - refining rodent euthanasia

The aim of this project is to focus on refinement of rodent welfare during euthanasia by gaining insights into the link between animal-related indicators and human attitudes. The stress for humans occurring due to euthanasia has been described as perpetration-induced traumatic stress and possibly hampers the implementation of refinement. A. Moral distress in persons euthanising animals How can moral distress and compassion fatigue be assessed in lab personnel (animal caretakers, veterinarians, scientists)? Which demographic factors have an impact on moral distress? What are suitable intervention methods? How can they be implemented? B. Perception bias on rodent welfare when evaluating euthanasia methods Does a perception bias exist? Which human or animal factors are influential? Can it be prevented by training? C. Rodent welfare during euthanasia impacted by human attitude & moral distress Does the level of moral distress and the attitude towards the euthanasia method(s) have a measurable effect on rodent welfare during euthanasia? Should measures to prevent moral distress be included when aiming to improve rodent welfare? D. Criteria for best euthanasia determined in an ethical systematic perspective Based on the empirical information obtained from A to C and systematic ethical reflection: Which criteria are relevant - for both animals and humans – for determining the “best” or acceptable euthanasia methods – and why?

SNF individual or collaborative proposal

Universität Zürich
Funktion: Projektleitung
Abteilung: Finnzielle Administration

• 3 GESUNDHEIT UND WOHLERGEHEN