Rabbits are the third most commonly used laboratory animal globally — significant welfare improvements are achievable through better housing, handling, and experimental refinement.
Laboratory rabbits are among the most welfare-compromised research animals because their naturally strong flight responses make them particularly sensitive to the confinement, handling, and procedural stressors of a laboratory environment. Individual caging — still widespread — prevents social behaviour, exploration, and the ability to perform natural postures including rearing and jumping. The welfare improvements available through simple refinements — pair housing, environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and gentled handling — are substantial and achievable at modest cost. The ethical imperative of the 3Rs requires institutions to actively implement these refinements rather than treating them as optional extras.