Farmed rabbits are among the least protected farm animals in most jurisdictions. Understanding conditions in commercial rabbit farming is important for welfare advocacy.
Commercial rabbit farming is characterised by severe welfare compromise in conventional systems. Wire cages prevent rabbits from expressing fundamental behaviours including running and hiding, causing chronic frustration and poor physical health. The regulatory framework protecting farmed rabbits lags far behind that for other species. Consumer pressure and welfare certification schemes are currently the main drivers of improvement in this sector.