Farm Animals

Farmed Rabbit Welfare and EU Reform

Farmed rabbits are kept in intensive wire cage systems across much of Europe, with welfare reform movements pushing for improved housing standards.

Key Facts

The EU produces approximately 500 million farmed rabbits annually
Most farmed rabbits are kept in barren wire mesh cages with no enrichment
Wire floors cause pododermatitis and prevent normal movement including jumping
EU welfare regulations for farmed rabbits are less developed than for other species
Sweden and the UK have implemented higher welfare standards for farmed rabbits

Welfare Considerations

Farmed rabbits are among the most intensively kept and least regulated farmed animals in Europe. Wire cage confinement prevents nearly all natural behaviour including jumping, running, hiding, and foraging. The welfare case for enriched housing with solid flooring, hiding areas, and elevated platforms is strong. Consumer pressure and campaign work are driving some progress.

What You Can Do

Choose rabbit products from farms with certified higher-welfare housing
Support campaigns advocating EU-wide farmed rabbit welfare legislation
Reduce or eliminate farmed rabbit meat consumption as a direct welfare improvement