Rabbits are among the most misunderstood companion animals, frequently housed in conditions that cause significant welfare harm. Evidence-based housing standards require space for running, social companionship, and opportunities for natural behaviours.
Rabbit welfare is severely compromised in most domestic settings because the traditional hutch model is fundamentally inadequate. Rabbits confined in small hutches without daily free-running time develop skeletal weakness, obesity, and behavioural frustration manifesting as bar-chewing and inactivity. Their social nature means solitary rabbits experience chronic loneliness, while incompatible pairings cause chronic fear and injury. Diet is critical — 80% of the diet must be unlimited grass hay to maintain dental and digestive health; inadequate hay causes progressive dental disease requiring repeated expensive veterinary procedures. Education of prospective rabbit owners before acquisition is among the highest-impact welfare interventions available.