Animal Research

Laboratory Rabbit Housing and Welfare Standards

Rabbits are widely used in laboratory research but have complex social and environmental needs that standard cage housing often fails to meet.

Key Facts

Rabbits are used in antibody production, safety testing and biomedical research
Single housing causes severe welfare deficits in a highly social species
Environmental enrichment including hiding areas and platforms reduces stereotypies
Rabbits need space to perform binky leaps and extended postures
The EU Directive 2010/63 sets minimum but often inadequate housing standards for lab rabbits

Welfare Considerations

Laboratory rabbit welfare has historically been poor due to small cage sizes and social isolation. Modern 3Rs application requires group housing where feasible, environmental enrichment and positive human socialisation to meet species needs.

What You Can Do

Support research institutions that exceed minimum housing standards for rabbits
Advocate for group housing requirements in laboratory rabbit regulations
Encourage funders to include housing welfare requirements in grant conditions