McGill University
IN-23: Laboratory Animal Welfare

From the Policy on the Study and Care of Animals preamble:
"The purpose of this policy is to outline the basic principles for the care of animals involved in research, teaching or testing at McGill University. McGill University recognizes the importance of animal research in our efforts to further our knowledge of natural processes, diseases and conservation. McGill University also recognizes that animal models are a valuable component of teaching.

"Research, educational and testing projects must be conducted with full commitment to the wellbeing of the animal subjects. In order to limit animal use to meritorious research or educational projects, McGill University relies on stringent peer review processes, along with assessment of ethical issues by the relevant animal care committee (ACC). Decisions of ACCs are of the utmost importance to the entire review process; the objective of ACCs is to keep a balance between the need for high quality research, teaching and testing, and compassionate treatment of animal subjects.

"McGill University recognizes that the use of animals in research, teaching and testing carries significant responsibilities. McGill University will continue to develop and maintain guidelines and regulations, following the high standards established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC).

"McGill University is committed to conducting the highest-quality research and to providing animals with the best care. At McGill University, all research, teaching and testing involving animals is guided by the Russell-Burch tenet of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs). A rigorous review by ACCs ensures that animals are used only when necessary and under humane conditions.

McGill University regards the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing to be an integral component of continued progress in medicine, science, education, environmental sciences and agriculture, resulting in enormous potential benefits for human and animal health."

This tenet involves 3 principles: "(1) that sentient animals should not be used if non-sentient alternatives are available; (2) if animals do have to be used, then the project’s design and analysis should be such that the minimum number of sentient animals are used compatible with achieving the objectives of the research; and (3) that appropriate measures should be taken to mitigate any pain suffering or distress that the animals might feel."

Point 3 covers the STARS requirement for the minimization of pain and distress in animal laboratory use.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826930/