ABSTRACT
The Culture of Care (CoC) links animal welfare, staff well-being and scientific quality, going beyond compliance to foster responsibility, openness and continuous improvement. Closely tied to the 3R Principle of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, it is increasingly recognised in European legislation and international networks, yet remains unevenly applied in practice. Previous research shows that how the CoC is understood depends on both individual choices and organisational or legal frameworks, highlighting its complexity. To address this, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Center for Animal Welfare and 3R Giessen, the Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC) and the Swiss Culture of Care Network conducted the first nationwide survey in Switzerland to explore how professionals perceive and apply this concept.
Most respondents were scientists and many participants reported relatively short employment durations. Nearly all participants were familiar with the 3Rs concept and animal welfare regulations and perceived them as implemented at their institutions; however, agreement was lower for measures exceeding legal requirements. Familiarity with the CoC specifically was more limited, particularly outside Animal Welfare Officers/3R Coordinators roles.
Across all professional levels, participants linked CoC strongly to improved animal welfare and staff training, while links to human welfare, collaboration, ethical reflection and consideration of personal perspectives were rated lower and / or varied by role. Scientists and Animal Welfare Officers/3R Coordinators perceived a clear connection between CoC and the 3Rs, whereas management and animal care staff were less certain.
Implementation of CoC appeared uneven: awareness or existence of formal CoC strategies and human welfare surveys was very low. Communication across organisational levels was perceived as good by most groups while some participants, especially from the animal care level, perceived communication as insufficient, and reported that the uptake of their suggestions for change was limited at their institutions. Participants agreed that responsibility for animal welfare is shared across roles.
In summary, Swiss animal research professionals show strong support for animal welfare and the 3Rs; however, the CoC remains unevenly understood and implemented. Clearer definitions, targeted training and improved communication, especially with animal care staff, are needed to translate implicit CoC values into a shared, holistic practice that addresses both animal and human welfare.