It is of course sadly true all of the things mentioned do happen and I am not in the slightest suggesting otherwise in any of these cases, however just to put it in perspective, far more rabbits just happen to "escape" ,are taken by preditors or more horrifically mutilated in situ by the same. Owners do not like to admit they have been less than careing or have provided less than secure accommodation.
It must also be bourne in mind that it is far more socially acceptable for people to say their rabbit has been "stolen" than to admit to being bored and fed up with an animal and subsequently dumping it. After all having your treasured pet "stolen" brings waves of sympathy from all around. a nil chance of detection and for some really sad people publicity in the local press and tv.
My final observation is this. At this time of year(and for that matter it also applies coming up to any holiday) I can tell you the number of calls coming to us for us to take in rabbits jumps. Each person makes the reason very plausable and "genuine" sounding but stangely nobody admits to the poor rabbit being neglected and no longer fitting in with festive or holiday plans.
Nobody likes other people to know they are uncaring shallow or down right cruel when it comes to animals so a more acceptable explanation has to se sought.
As for us I can tell you "The inn is over full right now" ---- Merry christmas