Commercial rabbit farming in the EU involves billions of animals in poorly regulated conditions. Ongoing reform efforts and cage-free alternatives are improving welfare in this overlooked sector.
Commercial rabbit welfare is among the poorest in European farm animal production. Wire cages prevent species-typical hopping, jumping, and hiding behaviours. The absence of species-specific EU regulation means rabbits lack the minimum protections afforded to pigs, poultry, and calves. The scale of production - billions of animals - makes the welfare gap enormous. Cage-free production with enrichment and space is technically feasible and increasingly available in premium market segments.