HAPPY ANIMALS MAKE GOOD SCIENCE

In this paper the question is posed whether it is not only better for the animal to be happy, but whether its state of mind may also have th e potential to influence the scientific results derived from it. To en sure good science, the animal should have a normal physiology and beha viour, apart from specific adverse effects under investigation. There is a growing body of evidence from a wide variety of sources to show t hat animals whose well-being is compromised are often physiologically and immunologically abnormal and that experiments using them may reach unreliable conclusions. On scientific, as well as ethical grounds, th erefore, the psychological well-being of laboratory animals should be an important concern for veterinarians, animal technicians and scienti sts.