Rabbits are among the most frequently neglected companion animals, often housed in inadequate conditions that prevent normal behaviour expression.
Rabbits confined to small hutches are unable to express normal locomotory, exploratory, and social behaviours. Boredom, frustration, and inability to exercise lead to obesity, dental disease from inappropriate diets, and stereotypic behaviours like bar-chewing. Social isolation causes chronic stress, as rabbits in the wild live in groups. Rabbits are prey animals with strong fear responses; inadequate housing exposes them to predator scent and sound without ability to escape.