Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and US but have some of the worst welfare outcomes of any companion animal. Misunderstanding their social and behavioral needs drives pervasive suffering.
Rabbit welfare failures are driven by a combination of marketing as a low-maintenance starter pet, traditional husbandry practices (hutches) that do not meet welfare needs, and the behavioral subtlety of a prey species that hides suffering. A rabbit in a small hutch without companions, insufficient hay, and no opportunity to run, dig, or binky (a joyful jumping behavior) is living in chronic deprivation. The majority of UK pet rabbits are estimated to have welfare problems — making this one of the most widespread companion animal welfare crises in proportion to population. Solutions are well understood: larger housing, companions, hay-dominant diet, and veterinary care from rabbit-experienced vets.