Home / Crime and Justice / Rabbit Row: Court Battle Over Garden Hutch
Rabbit Row: Court Battle Over Garden Hutch
29 Jun
Summary
- Mother taken to court by housing association over pet rabbit.
- Family's shared garden used for rabbit and vegetable patch.
- Court granted injunction to remove rabbit and garden structures.
A mother in Southampton has described feeling "ambushed" by her housing association, Aster, which pursued legal action to have her family's pet rabbit removed from their shared garden. The dispute also involved a vegetable patch and decking that the mother and her two young daughters had established. Aster housing association obtained an injunction on June 18, 2026, ordering the removal of the rabbit, hutch, decking, and raised beds within 14 days.
The housing association stated that these items were installed on communal land without permission, and they had attempted to resolve the matter informally over an extended period. Concerns were raised about animal welfare and the fair use of shared spaces by other residents. Aster is reportedly exploring options for the rabbit to be kept inside the home, in accordance with the tenancy agreement, to ensure communal areas remain safe and accessible for all.
The mother expressed her feelings of powerlessness and fear, calling the situation unfair. Her six-year-old daughter, Everest, expressed deep sadness at the prospect of losing Nibbles, stating the rabbit is her "best pet ever" and that she would not want to visit the garden if Nibbles were taken away.
