UK and Irish rabbit farming for meat operates under different welfare conditions than continental European intensive systems. Understanding the UK context helps consumers make informed choices.
The UK farmed rabbit sector presents a paradox: the domestic industry is relatively small and operates at higher welfare standards than major importing countries, but most rabbit meat sold in the UK is imported from countries with weaker standards. A consumer seeking to buy welfare-positive rabbit meat in the UK faces a sourcing challenge because labelling rarely indicates whether meat is from UK farms or imported. The absence of a species-specific welfare code for farmed rabbits in the UK is a regulatory gap that leaves the sector without the guidance framework available for cattle, pigs and poultry. Advocacy for a UK farmed rabbit welfare code and clearer origin labelling would both improve welfare outcomes.