Spotlight on Schedule 1: Advancing Refinement and Evidence-Based Euthanasia Practices
Published: 1 June 2024
In June 2024, the Culture of Care Committee hosted the "Spotlight on Schedule 1" symposium, a major online event focused on the ethical and welfare challenges of CO2 euthanasia. Attended by 137 professionals nationwide, the session facilitated a critical shift toward a harm-benefit approach in method selection. The symposium’s impact has already led to policy revisions at the University of Glasgow and is driving a new initiative to evolve the culture surrounding Schedule 1 choices.
Schedule 1 euthanasia is a critical but challenging aspect of animal research, with significant ethical, welfare and emotional considerations. CO2 remains widely used, despite ongoing concerns around its suitability. By providing an open forum to examine current practice, share evidence and explore refinement opportunities we hope to ensure future decisions are well informed, and aligned with animal welfare priorities, while also supporting staff competence and wellbeing.
In June 2024, we delivered a free, online symposium ‘Spotlight on Schedule 1’ which explored the use of Schedule 1 techniques in regulated species, with a particular focus on CO2 methods. The event brought together 137 participants from a wide range of roles, including facility managers, technicians, veterinarians and researchers from institutions across the UK, to explore the scientific, animal welfare and human welfare considerations associated with Schedule 1 euthanasia methods.
Through presentations delivered by subject matter experts and an interactive Q&A session, the symposium investigated the aversive nature of CO2, key ethical and welfare challenges, and highlighted alternative Schedule 1 methods that prioritise refinement and animal welfare. Pre- and post-symposium surveys demonstrated strong interest in the topic, with around a quarter of participants reporting current use of CO2 overdose as a Schedule 1 method.
We were particularly encouraged to see that post-event survey responses showed a greater consensus among participants, suggesting improved clarity, shared understanding and confidence following the discussions. Notably, the symposium facilitated important knowledge exchange regarding schedule 1 best practice, leading to the review and revision of internal policies at the University of Glasgow. Participant feedback also highlighted an external impact, with stakeholders praising the event for its influence on policy and best practice at their own establishments. Overall, the symposium provided a valuable space for learning and reflection, supporting evidence-based decision-making and reinforcing a strong culture of care through thoughtful consideration of refinement opportunities in Schedule 1 euthanasia practices.
The Culture of Care committee is committed to improving awareness of ethical and thoughtful selection of schedule 1 methods. Building on the momentum from our ‘Spotlight on Schedule 1’ symposium, we will reconnect with participants to evaluate its long-term impact. Insights from our symposium highlighted a prevailing tendency to default to familiar methods without fully considering the broader implications for animal welfare and human wellbeing. We are advocating for a harm-benefit approach to Schedule 1 decision-making, similar to that used in the context of regulated procedures, to ensure that our decisions uphold the best standards of scientific and ethical rigor. To support this, we are launching an initiative to critically examine the culture surrounding Schedule 1 choices.
First published: 1 June 2024