Rabbits are among the most misunderstood companion animals, with their welfare needs frequently unmet due to outdated advice and the perception that they are low-maintenance pets.
Rabbit welfare is a consumer education failure on a large scale. Millions of rabbits live in inadequate hutches, often alone, often handled roughly by children who quickly lose interest, and without access to adequate veterinary care. This welfare outcome is not the result of deliberate cruelty but of a mismatch between the marketed image of rabbits as easy, cheap, starter pets and the reality of their space, social, and veterinary requirements. Changing this requires point-of-sale welfare information, better retailer guidance, and owner education through accessible channels.