Pet rabbits are the third most common companion animal but among the most poorly understood. Common health problems including GI stasis, dental disease and myxomatosis cause severe welfare harm.
Rabbit welfare is consistently underserved by both owners and veterinary systems. The perception of rabbits as low-maintenance pets leads to inadequate housing, inappropriate diets and insufficient veterinary care. GI stasis kills rabbits within hours and requires emergency veterinary intervention that many owners are unprepared for. Dental disease causing chronic pain is the rule rather than the exception in most pet rabbit populations. Vaccination against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease is inexpensive and effective but inconsistently administered. The welfare gap between what rabbits need and what most receive in companion settings is substantial and represents a major preventable suffering burden.