Farm Animals

Farmed Rabbit Welfare and Housing Reform

Welfare reform in European farmed rabbit production, moving away from conventional wire cages.

Key Facts

Over 300 million rabbits are farmed in Europe annually
Conventional wire cages prevent natural jumping, standing, and burrowing behaviour
EU rabbit welfare reform is under development as part of animal welfare legislation
Park systems with enriched housing enable more natural behaviour expression
Rabbit welfare in production systems is a growing focus of welfare science

Welfare Considerations

Conventional wire cage housing causes significant welfare deficits for farmed rabbits through restriction of natural behaviours and social isolation.

What You Can Do

Advocate for EU rabbit welfare legislation requiring enriched housing
Choose rabbit products from farms using park or enriched housing systems
Support organisations campaigning for farmed rabbit welfare reform