Rabbits are one of the most commonly surrendered and poorly housed companion animals. Meeting their complex needs requires significantly more space, social contact, and enrichment than most owners provide.
Most companion rabbits in the UK and US live in conditions that cause ongoing welfare deficits. Small hutches prevent necessary exercise, leading to skeletal deformities and psychological frustration. Solitary housing deprives them of essential social interaction. Inappropriate diets high in pellets and low in hay cause dental and digestive disease that are painful and often fatal. The perception of rabbits as low-maintenance starter pets is fundamentally wrong — they are intelligent, sensitive animals that require substantial commitment and space. Better public education and stronger minimum welfare standards for rabbit housing would have enormous impact.