Rabbits are Britain's third most popular pet but also among the most commonly mistreated, with small hutch housing failing to meet their complex social, spatial, and behavioural welfare needs.
Rabbit welfare is systemically compromised by the "starter pet" perception that leads to inadequate preparation and housing. The traditional small hutch — still widely sold — provides insufficient space for the explosive running and binkying (joyful jumping) behaviours that indicate positive rabbit welfare. Social isolation causes chronic stress — rabbits are highly social and require a compatible companion for full welfare. Dental disease from seed/muesli diets (hay should form 80% of diet) causes chronic oral pain. Gut stasis from reduced gut motility causes severe abdominal pain and rapid deterioration. Welfare improvement requires: adequate space to run and jump, compatible pair housing, hay-based diet, regular veterinary checks including dental assessment, and vaccination against RHD1, RHD2, and myxomatosis.