Development of the human-research animal bond and its impact on animal well-being (2002)

Bayne, K.

Abstract

The various roots of human-animal bonding in the research laboratory setting are reviewed. The development of these relationships is enriching to both personnel and animals inasmuch as people who care about their animals are committed to promoting and ensuring the well-being of those animals [p. 4]. Relationships that develop between facility personnel and laboratory animals may result in an overall reduction in stress for the animals and may serve to buffer the potential stress of certain experimental situations resulting from the novelty of the procedure area, an intellectual challenge, disease conditions, or certain experimental procedures (e.g., gavaging, tail snips, blood sampling). .. Administrators of animal research, testing, and teaching programs should look for opportunities to encourage the development and maintenance of bonds between personnel and laboratory animals, beginning with the initial employee interview. .. Staff should be trained not only in ways to optimize the performance of their jobs but also in the basics of animal behavior... The outcome will be more refined research, improved animal well-being, and personnel who gain more reward from their jobs [p. 8].