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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

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Laboratory rodent welfare: thinking outside the cage.

Jonathan Balcombe1

  • 1pumilla@verizon.net

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|December 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Laboratory rats and mice experience suffering due to their sentience and the detrimental conditions of standard housing. Their natural behavioral needs are not met in typical laboratory cages, arguing against current practices.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Welfare Science
  • Laboratory Animal Science
  • Ethology

Background:

  • Rats and mice are widely used in laboratory research.
  • Concerns exist regarding the ethical treatment and welfare of these animals in research settings.
  • Sentience and natural behaviors of laboratory rodents are critical considerations for their well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present arguments against the standard housing of rats and mice in laboratory cages.
  • To highlight the negative impacts of laboratory conditions on rodent welfare.
  • To advocate for improved housing conditions based on animal sentience and natural history.

Main Methods:

  • This is a commentary, not an experimental study.
  • Arguments are based on the sentience of rats and mice.
  • Arguments are based on the natural history and behavioral needs of these species.
  • Arguments are based on the detriments associated with laboratory environments.

Main Results:

  • Rats and mice possess a high degree of sentience and are capable of suffering.
  • Laboratory environments inherently cause suffering to these animals.
  • Rats and mice retain innate behavioral needs developed from their natural history, even after generations in captivity.
  • Standard laboratory cages fail to meet the complex behavioral needs of rats and mice.

Conclusions:

  • The current practice of housing rats and mice in laboratory cages is ethically questionable due to animal sentience and suffering.
  • Laboratory conditions are detrimental to the welfare of rats and mice.
  • There is a compelling case for re-evaluating and improving housing conditions for laboratory rodents to better meet their species-specific needs.

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