Rabbits are farmed for meat and fur in large numbers globally. They are highly sensitive social animals whose welfare is severely compromised in conventional intensive systems.
Farmed rabbits suffer substantially in conventional intensive systems designed without adequate regard for their behavioral needs. As prey animals with strong flight instincts, they require the ability to hide, retreat, and move freely to maintain good welfare. Enriched and group housing systems significantly improve welfare outcomes and are being adopted by welfare-progressive producers.