Farmed rabbits are housed in barren wire cages in most commercial meat production systems, causing welfare problems that have driven regulatory reform in Europe and growing consumer concern globally.
Farmed rabbits receive less regulatory protection than virtually any other major farmed species in Europe. Conventional cage systems prevent burrowing, social grouping in natural configurations, and the locomotive activity rabbits require for bone health. Welfare science has demonstrated that enriched housing with elevated platforms and hiding areas substantially reduces stress behaviors and improves physical health outcomes. The European Citizens Initiative for rabbit welfare and ongoing EU legislative review suggest that binding minimum standards may be forthcoming, which would represent a significant welfare advance for hundreds of millions of animals annually.