Rabbits are one of the most welfare-neglected companion animals. Traditional hutch housing fails to meet their basic behavioral needs, and improvements in housing and companionship are urgently needed.
Pet rabbit welfare is in a state of systemic failure in many countries. The traditional image of a rabbit in a small hutch reflects a profound misunderstanding of rabbit behavioral needs. Rabbits need to run, jump, dig, explore, and engage in social grooming with compatible companions. Isolation, restricted space, inadequate hay provision, and infrequent handling all contribute to a welfare deficit that is normalized by the industry and public alike. Dental disease caused by insufficient hay consumption is extremely painful and extremely common — a direct consequence of inappropriate diet recommendations. Regulatory standards for rabbit housing are improving in some countries but remain inadequate in most. Consumer education and improved product standards are the most practical near-term routes to welfare improvement.