Welfare of Animals in Research Laboratories

Animals used in biomedical research face a range of welfare challenges depending on the procedures, housing, and species involved, with significant variation in standards globally.

Key Facts

Approximately 115 million animals are used in research globally each year
The US uses an estimated 25 million animals annually in research, predominantly mice and rats
Dogs and non-human primates are used in safety testing but in far smaller numbers than rodents
Animal welfare committees review research protocols in most developed countries
The 3Rs framework aims to Replace, Reduce, and Refine animal use in research
China has become a major site for animal research with rapidly expanding but still developing regulations

Welfare Considerations

Research animals experience a wide range of welfare impacts depending on the procedure — from minimally invasive observation studies to surgeries, toxicity testing, and infection models. Chronic stress from laboratory housing — noise, unfamiliar smells, social disruption, and repeated handling — compromises immune function and affects research validity as well as animal welfare. The global distribution of research to jurisdictions with less stringent oversight has created welfare concerns that domestic regulations do not reach. Animals used in safety testing for cosmetics and household products face the weakest justification for their welfare costs.

What You Can Do

Support cruelty-free certified cosmetics and household products
Advocate for regulatory requirements to adopt validated non-animal testing methods
Donate to organizations funding research into animal alternatives
Engage with research institutions about their 3Rs implementation
Support legislative requirements for welfare committees in all research facilities
Raise awareness about the progress in non-animal testing methods