Companion Animals

Companion Rabbit Run Safety and Predator Protection

Outdoor rabbit runs must be designed to protect rabbits from predators, as fright from predators causes fatal shock even without direct contact.

Key Facts

Rabbits can die from cardiac arrest triggered by predator presence even without physical contact
Fox and domestic dog attacks kill large numbers of pet rabbits annually
Runs must have solid floors or be lifted from the ground to prevent digging predators
Mesh should be fox-proof and cat-proof with small enough gauge to prevent entry
Night shelter in a secure hutch significantly reduces predator risk

Welfare Considerations

Predator-induced fear is acutely distressing for rabbits. The sight or smell of a predator can cause intense panic and fatal physiological stress even when the rabbit is not physically harmed. Outdoor access is valuable for welfare but only when genuinely predator-proof enclosures are provided. Many rabbit deaths from predators or shock could be prevented by better housing design.

What You Can Do

Inspect your rabbit run for predator entry points and repair immediately
Lock rabbits in a secure hutch every night, never leaving them in a run overnight
Consult the Rabbit Welfare Association for hutch and run safety specifications