Rabbit meat production is significant in Europe and Asia, with conventional cage systems causing welfare problems that improved housing standards are beginning to address.
Rabbits in conventional cages cannot perform species-appropriate locomotor behaviours including running, jumping, and binkying that indicate positive welfare. They cannot groom effectively, maintain social bonds, or hide. Wire flooring causes pododermatitis. The mismatch between natural rabbit behaviour and conventional housing causes chronic frustration and poor psychological welfare. Improved park systems, enrichment, and social housing significantly improve welfare but are not yet universal.