Farmed Rabbit Welfare Beyond EU Reform

Farmed rabbit welfare is among the least regulated in European agriculture despite rabbits being sensitive, social animals with complex needs.

Key Facts

The EU produced approximately 130,000 tonnes of rabbit meat annually before recent production declines
Conventional farmed rabbits are typically kept in small wire cages that prevent natural behaviours
Rabbits have strong motivation to perform locomotion, jumping, exploration and social behaviour
Health problems including respiratory disease, digestive disorders and myxomatosis are common in intensive systems
Several EU countries have begun transitioning to enriched or group housing systems
Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands have led development of group housing welfare standards
The EU committed to reviewing rabbit welfare as part of the Animal Welfare Strategy 2020-2030

Welfare Considerations

Farmed rabbit welfare has received far less regulatory attention than poultry or pigs despite rabbits being highly sensitive animals capable of significant suffering. Conventional wire cages prevent almost all natural behaviour expression. Group housing systems that allow social interaction, movement and environmental complexity are demonstrably better for rabbit welfare and are technically feasible at commercial scale.

What You Can Do

Avoid conventionally farmed rabbit meat and seek welfare-certified alternatives where available
Ask rabbit meat retailers about their farming system and welfare standards
Support EU and national campaigns to improve farmed rabbit welfare legislation
Reduce rabbit meat consumption and prioritise welfare-certified sources