Rabbit farming for meat is widespread in southern Europe but largely invisible to UK consumers, with welfare standards in intensive systems significantly below those for other farm species.
Farmed rabbit welfare has received less regulatory and public attention than equivalent issues in pigs, chickens, and cattle despite the scale of production. Wire cage confinement prevents the natural behaviors rabbits are highly motivated to perform - digging, running, jumping, and social grooming. Dietary hay deprivation impairs gut motility and causes GI stasis and suffering. Enriched park systems providing more space, shelter, and behavioral opportunity significantly improve welfare indicators. EU legislation on rabbit farming has been proposed but not yet enacted. Consumer awareness of rabbit welfare is low partly because rabbit meat consumption in the UK is minimal compared to continental Europe.