Rabbit meat is popular in Europe and parts of Asia, with over 1 billion rabbits farmed annually worldwide. The industrial farming of these social, intelligent animals in wire battery cages causes significant welfare problems.
Commercial rabbit farming is one of the least regulated areas of EU farm animal welfare. Wire battery cages deny rabbits the ability to run, jump, forage, or burrow — all strongly motivated natural behaviors. The chronic foot sores caused by wire flooring are painful and extremely prevalent. Social deprivation in individual caging causes behavioral problems. Alternative systems — enriched cages with elevated platforms and hiding areas, or group housing with solid floors — significantly improve welfare outcomes and are increasingly adopted by welfare-certified producers. Consumer demand for higher-welfare rabbit products and legislative inclusion of rabbits in species-specific EU farming standards are the key drivers of change.