Rabbits are commonly housed in inadequate conditions; they require large living spaces, companions, and opportunities to run, jump, and forage for good welfare.
Rabbits are among the most commonly kept yet most chronically mistreated companion animals. The traditional hutch rabbit model, where a single rabbit spends most of its life in a small wooden enclosure, denies nearly all natural behaviors including running at full speed, jumping, exploring, foraging, and socializing. Rabbits kept this way show behavioral signs of chronic stress including stereotypic behaviors and learned helplessness. Modern rabbit welfare guidance advocates for large indoor or outdoor runs, companionship, and daily free-roaming time as basic requirements rather than optional luxuries.