Mice and rats constitute the vast majority of laboratory animals worldwide, yet their welfare needs — including social, environmental, and pain management — are often inadequately met.
Laboratory rodents are sentient animals capable of experiencing pain, fear, distress, and boredom. Standard husbandry often fails to meet their social and behavioral needs. Isolated mice show signs of chronic stress affecting both welfare and research validity. Improved enrichment — nesting material, hiding places, running wheels, social housing — benefits both animal welfare and the reliability of research outcomes, creating alignment between ethical and scientific goals.