Rabbits are among Europe's most farmed animals, yet receive relatively little public or policy attention. Their welfare in commercial systems is often severely compromised, particularly regarding their strong drive for movement, hiding, and social interaction.
Farmed rabbit welfare is dominated by the gap between their behavioural needs and what conventional battery systems provide. Rabbits evolved as prey animals with powerful flight instincts; cage confinement without hiding spaces creates chronic fear and hypervigilance. Wire floors prevent natural digging and running behaviour, and cause chronic foot problems (sore hock) from pressure on wire surfaces. Social housing is beneficial — rabbits are naturally social and isolated housing causes psychological deprivation — but requires compatible grouping to prevent aggression. Higher-welfare rabbit systems including park housing (colonies on litter), enriched cages with platforms and hiding spaces, and outdoor systems show improved welfare outcomes across multiple indicators. Consumer awareness of rabbit farming conditions is low compared to poultry and pigs, making education an important advocacy tool.