Rabbits are one of the most common research species and face welfare challenges from their unique physiology and behavioral needs in laboratory environments.
Rabbit welfare in research is complicated by their prey animal psychology. Rabbits that appear calm in laboratory handling may be in a fear-freezing state rather than comfortable. Their stoic nature means suffering is easily missed by untrained observers. The Draize test has been challenged on both welfare and scientific validity grounds, with in vitro alternatives available for many applications. Social housing, hiding boxes, and enrichment dramatically reduce stereotypic behaviors in laboratory rabbits.