Rabbits are the third most popular pet in many Western countries but suffer some of the highest welfare failure rates. Misconceptions about their social, spatial, and dietary needs are widespread.
Most pet rabbits live in hutches far too small for their needs, are fed inappropriate diets, lack social companionship, and receive inadequate veterinary care. Dental disease from low-hay diets is endemic in pet rabbits. Isolation causes chronic psychological stress. Breeding mills produce rabbits for impulse purchase with no welfare screening. Improving rabbit welfare requires public education, pet shop regulation, and responsible ownership guidance.