Rabbits are among the least regulated farm animals despite being sentient and capable of significant suffering. Reforming rabbit farming toward better welfare standards is an urgent priority.
Farmed rabbit welfare is severely compromised in conventional cage systems. Wire mesh flooring causes painful ulcerated hocks in the majority of rabbits — a pervasive, industry-wide welfare failure. Individual housing violates their social nature, causing chronic stress. The inability to perform natural behaviors including jumping, running, and hiding causes frustration and stereotypic behaviors. Does in reproduction cycles experience repeated pregnancies in completely barren environments. Park systems allowing group housing, solid flooring with bedding, and enrichment dramatically improve welfare but are economically more challenging. Consumer and policy pressure is gradually driving improvements, but the scale of rabbit farming means billions of rabbits experience significant suffering annually.