Wild rabbits are keystone species in many habitats but are also subject to diseases, predation, agricultural pest control, and hunting that raise significant welfare concerns.
Wild rabbits face welfare challenges from multiple directions. Myxomatosis causes prolonged suffering including blindness, genital swelling, and respiratory failure before death — affected rabbits should be euthanised rather than left to die naturally. Snares cause injury, pain, and non-target catches. Gassing burrows kills all occupants regardless of age, including juveniles. A welfare-conscious approach to rabbit management prioritises quick-kill methods and avoids prolonged suffering while balancing ecological management needs.