Farm Animals

Farmed Rabbit Welfare in Intensive Systems

Farmed rabbits in intensive systems suffer from wire flooring, social isolation, limited space, and inability to express natural behaviors.

Key Facts

Rabbits farmed for meat are typically kept in individual wire cages
Wire floors cause painful sore hocks from pressure on soft foot pads
Rabbits are social animals that suffer in isolation
EU is phasing out individual rabbit cages in favor of park housing systems

Welfare Considerations

Intensive rabbit farming causes significant welfare problems through barren environments, social deprivation, and inappropriate housing. Rabbits are active, inquisitive animals with strong motivations to run, jump, and interact socially that are systematically frustrated in cage systems.

What You Can Do

Reduce or avoid farmed rabbit consumption given significant welfare concerns
Support EU phase-out of individual rabbit cage systems
Advocate for park housing systems with enrichment as the minimum standard
Back research into optimal rabbit group housing design