Is it time for a ‘Culture of Carers’?

In this issue of Laboratory Animals, Fabienne Ferrara and her collaborators ¹ explore the fashionable concept of ‘Culture of Care’ with a novel and important angle. Rather than addressing the topic from a regulatory perspective, as encouraged by the European Commission, with an emphasis on the 3Rs and animal welfare, ² they take a different approach and focus on the people who care for the animals and the toll that this interaction takes on them.

Addressing, defining and, if necessary, enforcing a ‘Culture of Care’, based on the 3Rs, animal welfare and regulatory oversight, in every animal research establishment in Europe is both important and essential; however, it is not the whole story, and we ought not delude ourselves into thinking that it is. The ‘Culture of Care’ can and should apply also to people. Ferrara et al. ¹ address this by examining compassion fatigue and work-related mental stress in laboratory animal workers. This increased focus on personal well-being is to be welcomed. Indeed, it has previously been raised, not only in relation to animal carers, ³ but also for other healthcare professionals, about whom a substantial body of literature already exists.

Could this re-directed focus on compassion fatigue and work-related mental stress in animal carers drive a shift from a ‘Culture of Care’ to a ‘Culture of Carers’ within European research establishments? Could this herald an era where empathy is directed towards both animals and humans? We hope so. We encourage more institutions to embrace the well-established concept of compassion fatigue.

In contemplating such a shift, we ought to remain acutely aware of the stigma frequently attached to professions associated with animal research. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations spoke out in support of and gratitude to animal research workers. ⁴ Our animals depend on these often stigmatised professionals for care throughout their lives, and this daily interaction can take a toll of suffering and distress. Technical staff, veterinarians, scientists and managers all care for research animals and, in so doing, as empathetic beings, build bonds with these creatures, no matter how great or small. Naturally, in a diverse world, not all people develop or express empathy towards animals in positive and constructive ways; however, for the good of both our animals and our staff who care for them, research establishments must seek out and support people who do.

We agree with Ferrara et al. ¹ : research animals need people who are caring, compassionate and empathetic.