Wildlife

Welfare of Wild Rabbits in Agriculture

Wild rabbits are considered agricultural pests and killed in large numbers; welfare-conscious management seeks the most humane lethal and non-lethal options.

Key Facts

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease was deliberately introduced in Australia as a biocontrol
Conventional rabbit control methods include shooting, fumigation, and poisoning
Myxomatosis causes a prolonged and distressing death in affected rabbits
Exclusion fencing is highly effective and avoids lethal control welfare concerns
Rabbits are highly sentient social animals with documented distress responses

Welfare Considerations

Wild rabbit management creates genuine welfare dilemmas between agricultural protection and animal suffering. The most welfare-conscious approach uses exclusion where possible, and when lethal control is necessary, chooses the most humane effective method available.

What You Can Do

Support exclusion fencing research as a humane alternative to lethal rabbit control
Advocate for welfare criteria in rabbit management program requirements
Oppose deliberate introduction of lethal diseases as pest control methods
Donate to research into non-lethal rabbit population management alternatives