Farm Animals

Farmed Rabbit Welfare: EU Reform and Cage-Free Transition

Farmed rabbits in Europe are largely kept in barren wire cages causing severe welfare compromise, with reform gaining momentum.

Key Facts

Approximately 300 million rabbits are farmed annually in Europe
Wire floors in conventional cages cause pododermatitis and limit natural behaviour
Austria, Belgium, and others have banned or restricted conventional rabbit cages
An EU-wide ban on barren cages for rabbits is under active consideration

Welfare Considerations

Rabbits in barren wire cages cannot perform core behaviours including hiding, gnawing, and comfortable resting. The welfare case for cage-free rabbit farming is unequivocal. Consumer choice and retailer commitments are driving faster change than legislation.

What You Can Do

Choose rabbit products from cage-free or enriched systems where available
Support retailers committing to cage-free rabbit sourcing policies
Advocate for EU-wide barren cage ban for farmed rabbits