Rabbits are the third most popular pet in many Western countries yet among the most neglected. Outdated small hutch housing and single-rabbit keeping practices cause significant preventable suffering in millions of pet rabbits.
Pet rabbit welfare is significantly underserved despite their popularity. The combination of small traditional hutches, single housing, incorrect diet (pellets and vegetables instead of predominantly hay), and infrequent veterinary care creates a population of chronically suffering animals. Rabbits are prey animals that hide illness well, meaning problems are often advanced before owners notice. Dental disease from low-fiber diets is painful and expensive to treat. The welfare reforms most needed are simple: pair or group housing with compatible rabbits, large enclosures allowing running and jumping, unlimited hay as the dietary base, and annual dental checks by a rabbit-experienced vet.