Farm Animals

Farmed Rabbit Welfare

Farmed rabbits are kept in intensive conditions across Europe for meat production, facing significant welfare challenges in conventional systems.

Key Facts

Around 350 million rabbits are farmed for meat in Europe annually
Conventional farming uses small wire cages that restrict movement and social behaviour
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease is a major disease challenge in farmed populations
Group park systems providing more space are available but less widely adopted
The EU is developing improved welfare standards for farmed rabbits

Welfare Considerations

Farmed rabbit welfare in conventional systems is severely compromised by cage confinement. Park systems and higher welfare standards significantly improve welfare outcomes and are being adopted by progressive producers.

What You Can Do

Choose rabbit meat from higher welfare or certified park system producers
Advocate for mandatory welfare standards for farmed rabbits in EU and UK legislation
Support organisations campaigning for improved farmed rabbit welfare
Reduce consumption of rabbit from intensive cage systems
Engage with the emerging debate about farmed rabbit welfare reform in Europe