Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal in Britain yet are commonly housed in conditions that severely restrict natural behaviour and cause significant welfare problems.
Companion rabbit welfare is one of the most widespread welfare problems in the British pet trade, affecting millions of animals. The traditional small hutch — often 90cm x 60cm — allows no space for the binkying, running, and jumping that are natural expressions of positive emotional states in rabbits. Social isolation is an additional welfare cost, as rabbits are highly social animals that suffer from solitary housing. Diet problems — excessive pellets, insufficient hay — cause dental disease and gut problems that are chronic sources of pain. Many of these welfare failures are normalised by the pet trade's historic provision of inadequate housing.