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

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Welfare Studies
• Companion Animal Research

Background:

• Rabbit ownership is prevalent in Spain, yet comprehensive data on their welfare and care practices are limited.
• Understanding current trends in rabbit acquisition, health management, and living conditions is essential for targeted welfare interventions.
• Regional variations in pet ownership necessitate localized approaches to animal welfare initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed overview of rabbit ownership and welfare standards across Spain.
• To identify factors influencing rabbit quality of life, including acquisition source and owner demographics.
• To assess current health management practices, such as vaccination and disease testing, among rabbit owners.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed, collecting 1246 responses from rabbit owners throughout Spain.
• Data were analyzed to identify patterns in rabbit breeds, acquisition methods, living environments, and dietary habits.
• Key welfare indicators, including veterinary care access, sterilization rates, and behavioral observations, were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Dwarf and lop-eared breeds dominate, with acquisition often through pet stores or as gifts, correlating with lower welfare.
• Most rabbits live cage-free indoors, consuming primarily hay, with high vaccination rates (81%) but lower rates for encephalitozoonosis testing (27.61%) and microchipping (24.72%).
• Owners knowledgeable about welfare-enhancing activities reported a decrease in their frequency, indicating a potential gap in consistent care implementation.

Conclusions:

• Rabbit welfare is significantly impacted by acquisition source and owner engagement with reliable information sources like veterinarians.
• There is a need for enhanced owner education on best practices for rabbit care, focusing on preventative health and species-specific needs.
• Targeted regional strategies are required to address disparities and promote consistent, high-quality welfare for pet rabbits in Spain.