Farmed rabbits are among the least regulated farm animals globally despite being kept in some of the most restrictive conditions of any species.
Farmed rabbit welfare is among the most neglected issues in agricultural animal welfare policy. The tiny cages used in conventional production prevent rabbits from performing any of their primary natural behaviors including running, jumping, standing on hindlegs to survey their environment, and hiding. Wire mesh flooring causes hock sores (pododermatitis) from chronic pressure on the metatarsus. Rabbits in barren cages show high rates of stereotypic behaviors including bar biting and weaving. Despite their popularity as pets with a well-recognized welfare profile, farmed rabbits receive minimal legislative protection compared to chickens, pigs, and cattle in most jurisdictions. Consumer pressure has driven some market development of enriched park systems providing group housing with solid litter-covered floors and elevated resting areas, but these remain a small fraction of global production. The regulatory gap for rabbit welfare represents an achievable advocacy target in the EU where reform momentum exists.