The 4th R: Rehoming, Rehabilitation, Retirement

Abstract

Rehoming consists in the adoption, release or placement in specialized facilities of animals used for scientific purposes once the experimental protocol is completed. The principle of rehoming has been incorporated as the 4th R of the European directive on animal experimentation, as well as in the French Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code where Article R 214-112 defines the required conditions. By giving priority to keeping animals alive whenever possible, rehoming is an ethical alternative to euthanasia. To successfully carry out the rehoming process, it is crucial to be aware of the necessary steps and anticipate them as early as possible. This article draws on two rehoming examples carried out by INRAE to illustrate the different stages of the process and highlight the benefits of this approach for both the animals and the staff involved.