Owner demographic factors are associated with suitable pet rabbit housing provision in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Rabbits are popular pets, but research into their welfare is limited. This study analysed the potential association(s) between the provision of suitable housing and owner demographic factors. Data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report surveys gave a sample of 1333 UK rabbit owners. Whether the rabbit housing was adequate or inadequate was ascertained by asking owners to indicate images of hutch and run size or indoor environment type that were similar to their own. The owner demographic factors collected included gender, education, household income and deprivation. Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression (univariable and multivariable) were used to investigate factors associated with adequate/inadequate housing. One-third (31.2%) of rabbits lived in inadequate housing and half were housed alone (51.4%). Male owners were more likely to report providing inadequate housing than females (odds ratio [OR]=1.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.319-2.441, p<0.001). Compared to owners over 55 years old, those aged 25-34 years were more likely to house their rabbits inadequately (OR=2.050, 95% CI 1.286-3.267, p=0.003). Owners with a household income below average were more likely to report providing inadequate housing compared to those with a household income above average (OR=1.406, 95% CI 1.025-1.928, p=0.035). The findings identify that inadequate rabbit housing is provided by owners of all ages, genders and deprivation levels but highlight some particular owner demographics that could be useful to target if resources are limited.