Handling and Restraint (2006)

National Center for the Replacement, R. a. R. o. A. i. R.

Abstract

Laboratory animals are handled for a number of reasons, e.g. from simple tasks such as transfer from one cage to another or to a balance for weighing, to more complex procedures such as restraint in which the animal is immobilised whilst a veterinary or scientific procedure is performed on it. Whatever the purpose, it is important handling is conducted in a manner that will cause minimal stress to the animal with negligible risk of injury to the person performing it. Minimising stress is important from a scientific standpoint as well as an animal welfare one; fear and stress responses can result in physiological changes that may increase data variability and the number of animals needed to achieve satisfactorily significant results. .. All animals should be approached in a calm, quiet and confident manner. Developing confidence will, invariably, take the novice handler time and require ample practice but often an outside show of confidence, by avoiding hesitation and nervous hand movements, will initially suffice. Softly talking to the animals during the approach will have a calming influence on many animals and often has a similar effect on the person who is to handle them. .. Positive reinforcement, for example the provision of a food reward or praise in the case of dogs, cats and primates, should be considered as, in many cases, this will help to ease the process when it is next performed.