Refining Research: Improving Rabbit Housing
Animal care in biomedical research is continually evolving, with researchers, veterinarians and animal care teams working to improve how animals are housed, handled and cared for. This commitment is part of the 3Rs of animal research: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. Refinement focuses on minimizing pain and distress while improving animal welfare throughout an animal's life.
Rabbits are naturally active, social animals that benefit from opportunities to move, explore, forage and interact with their surroundings. The housing pictured here provides space for movement, along with hay and shelters that encourage natural behaviors. While not all research rabbits live in this type of environment, housing arrangements like these demonstrate how facilities can incorporate refinements that support animal well-being while meeting scientific and veterinary needs.
