In November 2025, the UK government set out a road map for the future of animal testing and research.  While acknowledging that animal research is currently still somewhat unavoidable, improved lab animal welfare is at the forefront of the government’s mind. 

A £75 million budget has been unveiled to support the use of alternative methods where possible and for making regulations clearer for researchers.  Alternative methods like organ-on-chip systems, AI, 3D printed tissues and in-vitro cell cultures can offer brilliant insights for animal or human biology.  However, cost implications can make these inaccessible and, in some cases, in vitro cell cultures do not effectively represent multi-cell diseases.  Where animals are still fundamental in research, improved welfare should be most important. 

Higher welfare maintenance of lab animals used is important for the well-being of animals and the success of studies they are involved in.  Common methods of identification like ear notching, tagging or branding are proven to have adverse effects thus contradicting higher welfare standards.  At Somark, we specialise in improving the treatment of animals involved, particularly rodents.  By using non-invasive tattooing systems and “the world’s smallest” RFID tags, we ensure our ID solutions are better for the animals and handlers. 

The 3R’s and Somark’s animal identification methods

In response to this press release, Dr Vicky Robinson, Chief Executive of NC3R’s showed her support for the latest announcements.  She summarised the statement by saying, “The new government strategy will help to speed up efforts to replace animal research and testing, while also recognising the continued need for high standards of animal welfare where alternative methods currently do not exist.”

The 3R’s provides a simple and easily understood framework for improving welfare for laboratory animals. It asks researchers to, where possible, consider replacing in vivo studies with in vitro methods, investigate the number of animals used where in vivo trials are necessary, and refine methods to reduce stress and suffering.

What are the 3R’s in animal research?

Replacement:

The first R, replacement, corroborates with the alternative methods mentioned in the UK roadmap document.  The replacement of laboratory animals in research is the key ethical goal set out.  When replacement is not possible in vitro or in silico, it is important to acknowledge the following R’s with animal use. 

Reduction:

Reducing unnecessary use of animals in research is important for ethical and financial reasons.  Unreliable identification methods lead to the use of more animals.  If your study protocol uses identification with an error rate, then you need to compensate for that by using additional animals, which does not align with the 3R’s framework.  Using an identification method which eliminates errors means you use fewer animals, which reduces costs across feeding and general husbandry, as well as being ethically sound.  Sometimes, the most common approaches to identification are the most unreliable. 

Somark is a pioneer of high-quality and highly accurate identification methods, which align with the values of reduction.  By ensuring systems work effectively to the needs of the handlers, the scale of animals involved can be reduced, and the time animal participants are involved can be minimised. 

Refinement:

The final “R” refers to the experience of animals involved, focusing on minimising the suffering of research animals. 

Stress levels of lab animals are often difficult to mitigate because of the nature of laboratory life.  Where possible, it should be important to minimise stress as psychological damage can reflect stress-induced behaviours and antagonistic biological process affects.  Many common methods of identification act as a barrier to the animal’s normal movements.   Increased stress due to over-handling because of unreliable temporary methods, like permanent markers or the use of bulky ear tags, impact welfare and can influence study results.  Behavioural studies are particularly sensitive to these as natural behaviours can be masked by stress of the animal. 

Using less invasive methods like the LabStamp for permanent visual identification or the Digitail tag for fast and accurate digital readings, both improve efficiency for handlers, well-being of animals, and integrity of results.  Refining the experience for lab animals means making sure that they are cared for to the highest standards. 

Moving beyond minimum standards: Why a UK policy shift now. 

The most recent policy shift reflects a growing commitment to improve animal welfare in scientific research.  Since the Animal Scientific Procedures Act in 1986, outlining the justified and minimised use of animals, it is important for the UK government to instil public confidence in a system where animal use is still necessary and show that welfare is still a priority.  Wendy Jarrett, CEO of Understanding Animal Research, commends the government’s active developments and highlights the importance of transparency.  Wendy says, “Animals will continue to be needed for many years to come to protect humans, animals and the environment, study how the body works in health and in disease, and gauge how potential new medicines behave in whole, living organisms.”

As proud pioneers of improving lab animal welfare standards through high-quality identification, Somark can support you with compliance to ethical legislation laid out by the UK government.