Laboratory mice are the most widely used research animals worldwide. Understanding and improving their welfare is essential for both ethical and scientific reasons.
Lab mice experience boredom, stress, and pain much as other mammals do. Barren cages, social isolation, and inadequate pain management are major welfare concerns. Studies show that enriched environments with nesting material, shelters, and social housing improve mouse wellbeing and produce more reliable scientific data. Humane endpoints — stopping experiments before unnecessary suffering — are a key refinement measure.