Neutering rabbits dramatically improves welfare by preventing reproductive disease, reducing aggression and enabling successful bonding between companion pairs.
Rabbit desexing is one of the most impactful welfare interventions for companion rabbits. Uterine adenocarcinoma is extraordinarily common in entire female rabbits and progresses rapidly, causing a painful death. This single welfare benefit makes routine spaying of female rabbits a strong ethical obligation for responsible owners. Neutering also transforms male rabbit behaviour: entire bucks spray urine, mount persistently and fight, causing injury to companions and stress to all animals. Neutered rabbits can be safely bonded in pairs or small groups, dramatically improving their quality of life compared to solitary housing. The anaesthetic risk of rabbit desexing, though real, is manageable with experienced exotic animal veterinarians and appropriate pre- and post-operative protocols.