An alarming disregard for pet rabbit welfare in the UK has been highlighted in a new report by scientists from the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences.

The study has revealed that some animals suffer terrible side effects of living alone as well as other health issues, including dental problems and poor fitness levels.

The findings show that the needs of rabbits are not always met and will be used by animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, to ensure owners know how best to look after their pets.

The scientist took note of how rabbits are housed and cared for by collecting questionnaires from a cross-section of 1,254 pet rabbit owners in the South West, North West and East of England.

The researchers found that while most of the creatures had access to extra areas for exercise, access was often irregular.

For example, many owners didn’t let their pets run around when they are naturally at their most active – in the early morning and evening. 

Around 60% of the 1,254 rabbits lived on their own, limiting their opportunity to be sociable, while a quarter lived with unsuitable companions, leading to fights or the animals ignoring each other.

The study, published in BMC Research Notes suggests a small amount of this behaviour may be natural, but that regular and intense fighting can suggest the companions are unsuited and behavioural advice should be sought.

As in previous studies, dental problems were commonly reported in 12% of rabbits, as were eye problems, (13%) digestive problems, (12%) and parasites (11%).

Just under 60% of rabbits were thought to be fearful of loud noises and a similar percentage panicked when handled by their owners.

The researchers say that further studies are needed to explore the accuracy of the owners' reports, in case problems have been under-reported.

‘Many pet rabbits were found to be in good health, had compatible companions and were provided with enriched living areas,’ said Dr Nicola Rooney, Research Fellow in Farm Animal Science at the university.

‘However, we also found numerous unrecognised welfare issues that affect large numbers of pet rabbits.

‘These included living alone or in incompatible groups, numerous health issues, lack of regular access to exercise areas, showing fear of loud noises and behaving anxiously when handled by their owners.

‘Our findings highlight the ways in which the needs of pet rabbits are often not being met and this information will be used to help target education to best improve the welfare of pet rabbits.’

Dr Jane Tyson, Rabbit Behaviour and Welfare Expert at the RSPCA, said that the findings of this study will be ‘crucial’ in identifying advice and information for owners on how best to care for their rabbits.