Rabbits are the most abandoned companion animal in the UK after dogs and cats, with millions living in inadequate housing that fails to meet their complex behavioral and social needs.
Most companion rabbits in the UK live in conditions that fail to meet their basic welfare needs. Hutches sold for rabbit keeping are typically too small for natural movement and prevent species-appropriate behavior including binkying, running, and exploration. Solitary housing deprives social animals of companionship they need for psychological wellbeing. Rabbits abandoned to rescue organizations frequently show signs of osteoporosis from insufficient exercise and dental disease from inadequate diet. The gap between marketed husbandry and welfare science standards for rabbits is one of the largest in companion animal keeping.