Rabbit meat production involves significant welfare problems largely invisible to consumers. Rabbits are sensitive prey animals with behavioral needs that are frequently unmet in intensive systems.
Farmed rabbit welfare is among the least regulated and most overlooked of any major farmed species. Battery cage confinement prevents natural locomotion, social behavior, and posture. Rabbits are sensitive to chronic stress which contributes to high disease rates and mortality. Park systems providing group housing with enrichment, platforms, and room to move represent a major welfare improvement. The transition from battery cages is technically feasible and has been demonstrated at commercial scale. Consumer awareness of rabbit farming conditions is low, limiting market pressure for change. Regulatory changes are driving gradual improvement in some countries.