Comprehensive Survey on Rabbit Ownership, Environmental Management, and Care: Insights from Spain.

Abstract

The study offers an overview of rabbit ownership and welfare in Spain, derived from an online survey with 1246 responses, highlighting regional disparities. Most rabbits were dwarf breeds or lop-eared, come from pet stores or as gifts and cared for by women with 58% being sterilized. Most rabbits lived cage-free indoors, primarily consuming hay (75%), with accessible veterinary care. The vaccination rates were higher (81%) than testing for encephalitozoonosis (27.61%) or microchipping (24.72%). The owners also reported nocturnal behavioral patterns (50%). Approximately 65% rabbits cohabitating with others never engage in fights. Additionally, 40% of respondents reported daily lifting of their rabbits, while 39% noted occasional biting incidents. The data indicate that rabbits acquired through purchase or as gifts generally experience a lower quality of life, as do those whose owners do not seek information from veterinarians or rescue organizations. Most rabbit owners were able to pinpoint quality-enhancing activities, and 43% of them noted that the frequency of such activities has decreased. The findings underscore the need for informed, empathetic care to ensure rabbit welfare.