Rabbits are among the most commonly kept companion animals in the UK, yet housing standards frequently fail to meet their welfare needs for space, enrichment, and social companionship.
Rabbit welfare in UK households is frequently compromised by undersized housing, solitary keeping, and inadequate enrichment. Rabbits need space to run, jump, and binky (express joy through acrobatic leaping), which typical hutches do not permit. Confined rabbits develop stereotypies, muscle wastage, and bone density loss from restricted movement. Solitary rabbits show signs of chronic stress. Paired or small-group housing with compatible companions dramatically improves welfare. Indoor housing with adequate supervised free-roaming time represents best practice for companion rabbit welfare.