EU legislation on farmed rabbit welfare has advanced significantly, requiring enrichment and improved housing. Understanding these standards helps advocates assess progress.
Farmed rabbit welfare has historically been among the most neglected in European agriculture despite the scale of production. Traditional cages provide only wire flooring, no opportunities for species-typical behaviours, and no enrichment - conditions that cause severe psychological distress in an intelligent, active species. Progress through EU legislation has been real but slow. Higher-welfare park systems that allow hopping, rearing up, and social interaction represent a genuine welfare improvement. Continued advocacy is needed to ensure EU-level legislation brings minimum standards up to the level already achieved in several pioneering member states.