Traditional rabbit hutches fail to meet the complex behavioural and physical needs of domestic rabbits. Understanding what rabbits actually need is driving reform in housing standards across Europe and beyond.
The welfare crisis in pet rabbit keeping stems from a fundamental mismatch between how rabbits are marketed (as low-maintenance starter pets) and what they actually need. Confined in small hutches without companionship, unlimited hay, or space to run, rabbits develop dental disease, obesity, stereotypic behaviours, and severe psychological distress. Progressive reform requires minimum enclosure size legislation, retailer commitments to welfare-informed advice at point of sale, and public education campaigns. The RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund) Hutch Is Not Enough campaign has significantly raised awareness in the UK, demonstrating that advocacy can shift cultural norms in companion animal keeping.