Rabbits are the third most widely used mammal in biomedical research, with complex social and behavioural needs that standard laboratory housing frequently fails to meet.
Laboratory rabbit welfare has historically been poor relative to that of rodents, despite rabbits being significantly more complex social animals. Single housing in small cages prevents normal locomotory and social behaviour, causing boredom, frustration, and psychological distress. Rabbits in inadequate housing develop stereotypies and show reduced immune function. The common justification for isolation — preventing aggression and maintaining standardisation — is less compelling when pair-housing protocols demonstrate feasibility. Pain assessment in rabbits has improved with the development of validated grimace scales, but post-procedural analgesia is still frequently inadequate. As highly prey-driven animals, rabbits experience acute stress during routine handling; positive reinforcement training for handling significantly reduces fear responses and improves both welfare and data quality.