Farm Animals

Farmed Rabbit Housing Reform and Welfare

Most farmed rabbits in Europe are kept in barren wire cages that prevent natural movement, social behaviour, and species-specific activities.

Key Facts

An estimated 340 million rabbits are farmed in Europe annually
Standard cages prevent running, jumping, and standing on hindlegs
Rabbits in barren cages show high rates of stereotypies and bone weakness
EU rabbit welfare legislation has been under development for years
Welfare-friendly park systems with enrichment and social housing exist and are viable

Welfare Considerations

Rabbits kept in small wire cages suffer from enforced immobility, social deprivation, and inability to express natural behaviour. This is one of the least-regulated intensive farming sectors in Europe. Welfare reform is urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Reduce consumption of farmed rabbit products
Support campaigns for EU rabbit welfare legislation
Choose rabbit products only from welfare-certified park systems where available