Farmed rabbits are produced in very large numbers under intensive conditions with significant welfare problems, yet receive far less welfare attention than other major livestock species.
Farmed rabbit welfare represents a significant welfare gap — the scale of production is enormous, welfare problems are well-documented, yet public awareness and advocacy attention lag far behind equivalent concern for pigs, poultry, and cattle. Intensive rabbit production in battery cages denies social animals the companionship they need, prevents natural locomotor behavior in animals capable of running and jumping, and causes chronic stress from barren environments. The availability of alternative housing systems including enriched park housing demonstrates that production can occur in conditions that allow more natural behavior. EU welfare legislation for rabbits has been developing slowly; consumer pressure and retailer standards have driven some improvements in markets where rabbit consumption is significant.