Rabbits are among the most misunderstood companion animals. This page examines their complex welfare needs and the common failures of rabbit keeping.
Rabbit welfare is one of the most poorly understood areas in companion animal keeping. The traditional image of a rabbit in a small hutch is fundamentally incompatible with rabbit welfare needs. Rabbits are prey animals with strong behavioral drives including running, jumping, digging, and social interaction. Solitary confinement in small spaces causes chronic stress and boredom. The appropriate diet for rabbits is predominantly hay — not commercial pellets or vegetables — because hay is required for dental wear and gut motility. Dental disease, GI stasis, and obesity are common consequences of inappropriate keeping. Rabbits deserve the same level of informed care as dogs and cats.