Rabbits are among the most misunderstood companion animals, with housing and care practices often severely mismatched to their complex behavioral and social needs.
Rabbit welfare is in a state of chronic systemic failure. The image of a rabbit as a low-maintenance pet that lives in a small hutch persists despite decades of evidence that such conditions cause suffering. Rabbits in inadequate space cannot binky — the joyful jumping and spinning that indicates positive emotional states — or perform natural locomotion. Solitary rabbits develop depression-like states and stereotypic behaviors. Dental malocclusion from inadequate hay is painful and expensive to treat. The welfare gap between what rabbits need and what most receive is large and systemic — driven by outdated guidance, low purchase price, and the perception of rabbits as children pets requiring minimal care. Rehabilitation of rabbit welfare requires updating both public expectations and retailer guidance significantly.