Rabbits are the third most popular UK pet but also one of the most welfare-compromised. Traditional small hutches prevent natural behaviour — rabbits require much more space, social companionship and environmental complexity than most owners provide.
Pet rabbit welfare has been identified as a major concern by the RSPCA, PDSA and Rabbit Welfare Association. Traditional small hutches prevent natural behaviours: rabbits run at speeds of 35km/h, perform binkies (joyful leaping), dig, forage and engage in allogrooming with companions. Confinement in a small hutch for most of the day produces welfare states characterised by stereotypic behaviours, learned helplessness and dental disease from inadequate hay intake. The RWAF minimum housing recommendation (3m x 2m with attached exercise run) ensures rabbits can perform natural movement. Pair or group housing with compatible neutered rabbits provides the social welfare benefits the species requires.