Welfare Science

Laboratory Animal Welfare and Enrichment

Laboratory animals including mice, rats, and rabbits require environmental enrichment and social housing to meet welfare needs, with significant welfare variation between research institutions.

Key Facts

Mice are the most commonly used laboratory animal globally, over 100 million annually
Social housing for mice and rats significantly reduces stress and improves welfare
Environmental enrichment including nesting material and hiding places is now standard practice
Refinement of procedures to minimise pain and distress is a legal requirement in EU
Poor welfare in laboratory animals can compromise research validity

Welfare Considerations

Laboratory animal welfare requires social housing where species needs dictate, environmental enrichment, competent care, and genuine application of the 3Rs principles. The evidence that welfare and research quality are complementary rather than in tension is growing.

What You Can Do

Support NC3Rs laboratory animal welfare research and guidance
Advocate for transparency in laboratory animal use through published statistics
Engage with the evidence that good welfare improves rather than compromises research quality