Rabbits are commonly used in safety testing and biomedical research. Applying the 3Rs framework and improving their housing significantly improves welfare outcomes.
Laboratory rabbits have historically been housed in individual cages that prevent natural locomotion, jumping, and social behaviour. Research demonstrates that pair housing significantly improves welfare without compromising experimental validity in most study designs. Fear-based responses to handling and restraint are a major welfare concern — positive reinforcement training of rabbits to cooperate with routine procedures dramatically reduces stress. The 3Rs framework applies powerfully to rabbit use: in vitro safety tests replace some whole-animal assays; group housing reduces per-animal suffering; and refined handling and anaesthesia protocols improve outcomes. Consumer pressure for cruelty-free cosmetics has driven significant adoption of alternatives to rabbit safety testing.