Farmed rabbits have long been among the most poorly protected farm animals in Europe, but recent reform efforts are beginning to address the worst welfare abuses in the sector.
Rabbit welfare in intensive EU production has historically represented some of the worst conditions of any farmed animal. The small barren wire cage system prevents virtually all natural behaviour for an animal that in the wild ranges across large territories, digs burrows, and lives in complex social groups. Reform progress has been slow due to industry resistance and the economic challenges of conversion. However, the growing body of welfare science demonstrating the depth of rabbit suffering in conventional systems, combined with consumer and retailer pressure, is driving a gradual shift toward enriched colony housing. Full abolition of barren cages remains the welfare science recommendation.