Livestock

Rabbit Fur Farming Welfare

Millions of rabbits are farmed annually for fur, particularly Angora and Rex breeds, under conditions that cause chronic pain and distress.

Key Facts

China produces over 90% of the world's Angora rabbit wool
Angora rabbits are plucked or shaved every 3 months; live plucking causes acute pain
Around 180 million rabbits are farmed annually worldwide for meat and fur
Battery cage systems for fur rabbits deny burrowing, social contact and exercise
Major fashion brands have dropped Angora following undercover investigations

Welfare Considerations

Angora rabbits subjected to live plucking show clear distress vocalisations and immobility. Rex rabbits prized for their velvety coat are often housed in overcrowded wire cages causing sore hocks. The fur industry codes of practice for rabbits are voluntary and rarely enforced. Rex fur farming in France has faced repeated investigations revealing systematic welfare failures.

What You Can Do

Refuse all real rabbit fur products and check labels carefully
Avoid Angora wool clothing unless certified as humanely harvested
Support campaigns for mandatory CCTV monitoring in rabbit fur farms
Advocate for a transition away from caged rabbit fur farming to welfare-positive systems