Wild rabbits play an important ecological role but are also subject to disease, predation, and control measures that raise significant welfare concerns.
Rabbits dying from myxomatosis suffer acute and prolonged suffering lasting up to two weeks. RHDV2 causes rapid death but has devastated populations in many areas. Control methods including snaring can cause significant suffering and are prohibited in some areas. Humane management aims to balance agricultural protection with minimising suffering in individual animals.