Wild rabbits are common in suburban gardens and are often seen as pests. Understanding their welfare needs and life challenges helps develop humane approaches to coexistence.
Wild rabbits occupy a complex welfare position: they are both a protected native species (in decline in the UK) and a pest to gardeners and farmers. The welfare case for humane management of garden rabbit populations is clear — lethal methods that cause slow death (wire snaring, certain poisons) cause unnecessary suffering. Physical exclusion (rabbit-proof fencing around vegetable gardens) is the most welfare-positive and effective long-term solution. Injured or diseased wild rabbits should be reported to wildlife rescuers rather than left to suffer. Myxomatosis-affected rabbits in particular experience prolonged, painful illness and deserve swift access to euthanasia.