Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Rabbit Welfare Reform Progress

Rabbit farming welfare reform is advancing in Europe, driven by consumer campaigns and legislative proposals. Key changes include moving to group housing systems.

Key Facts

EU rabbit welfare is governed by non-binding guidelines rather than specific legislation
Over 90% of EU farmed rabbits are kept in conventional wire cages below 500 cm2 per animal
Park or group housing systems allow natural behaviors including running, jumping, and hiding
Disease management is a key challenge in group housing, addressed through vaccination protocols
Consumer campaigns have achieved supermarket commitments to higher welfare rabbit in several EU countries

Welfare Considerations

Rabbit welfare reform has been slower than welfare improvements for pigs or poultry in Europe. The lack of specific EU legislation leaves rabbits poorly protected by default. Consumer campaigns targeting retailers and brand companies have been more effective than direct legislative advocacy to date, creating market pull for higher welfare production.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns demanding retailers commit to higher welfare rabbit sourcing standards
Reduce or eliminate rabbit meat consumption given poor baseline welfare standards
Contact food companies and retailers asking them to adopt rabbit welfare commitments
Support European organizations advocating for legally binding rabbit welfare legislation