The 3Hs Initiative—Housing, handling, and habituation (2024)

Bartlett, J., Hinchcliffe, J., Jackson, M. et al.

Abstract

We have looked at our housing, handling and habituation approaches to identify areas to make improvements. This is critical for our resaerch outputs and has the benefit of reducing the cumulative suffering the animals experience by reducing stress and negative affective experiences associated with their day-to-day lives. We identified some key changes which can be made which benefit both animal welfare and our scientific objectives and experimental outcomes. To disseminate our work more widely, we have launched a website: www.3Hs-initiatve.co.uk.