Millions of pet rabbits are kept in small hutches that prevent natural behaviour, causing chronic welfare problems in a commonly misunderstood species.
Rabbits kept in small traditional hutches cannot stand fully upright, run, or binky (the joyful leaping behaviour that indicates good welfare). Restricted movement causes muscle atrophy and spinal deformity. Social isolation causes depression and stereotypic behaviour. Exposure to predator sounds and scents without the ability to flee causes chronic fear responses. Rabbits are the UK's third most common pet and third most commonly mistreated after cats and dogs.