Background

Nearly all animals used for research in the UK are specially bred for that purpose. Nevertheless, they retain their breeds' natural traits. So life within a research establishment will never be the same as outside.

The challenge to animal welfare staff and scientists is to treat their animals as well as they can within the constraints of carrying out good research. Difficulties for animals arise from aspects such as the environmental conditions. Bright lighting, the regular disturbances of a working day and loud noises may all be unwelcome. In addition, it is harder for laboratory animals to have the social interactions and groupings they might prefer; they do not get to choose their own mate.

Good welfare can benefit the science as well as the animal.

On the other hand, laboratory animals are humanely put down at the end of a research project, not killed by a predator, as might well be the case in the wild. They are also well-fed and watered, which again might not be the case outside.

It is to the researcher's advantage to work with animals that are fit and at ease in their surroundings. Suffering or distressed animals could well lead to a wider variation in the experimental results than good science would wish. An animal house is not a natural environment for any animal, so efforts have to be made to compensate. This includes finding ways to let animals mimic their natural feeding patterns, grouping the animals in ways they prefer, stimulating them to avoid boredom and stereotypical behaviour, and giving them exercise. How this is achieved varies from species to species. All have the effect of reducing the impact of laboratory surroundings.

Dogs given chews will use them for a quarter of the day.

British law demands high standards of welfare from those responsible for animal experiments. The scientist who is licensed to carry out the research has primary responsibility. He or she works with specially-trained animal technicians, who care for the animals day-in, day-out, and with vets who are on call to check animals' well-being and treat them accordingly. The Home Office plays an important role in promoting best practice of animal welfare.

Animals are also well looked after because scientists, technicians and vets do not leave their humanity at home when they go to work in a research establishment. They do their best to minimise any pain or distress. They do their best to make up for any deficiencies of laboratory life.