Rabbits are among the least-regulated farmed species in many countries, with an estimated 1 billion raised annually under conditions that often severely restrict natural behaviour.
Farmed rabbits are a largely forgotten species in animal welfare advocacy, despite being raised in conditions that would be illegal for dogs or cats in many jurisdictions. Their biological need for movement, hiding places, social interaction, and gnawing is incompatible with conventional wire battery cages. Enriched park-housing systems that allow these behaviours exist and are used by higher-welfare producers, but adoption requires investment and regulatory pressure. The rabbits welfare movement has gained momentum in Europe, with consumer campaigns and some retailer commitments driving shifts toward enriched systems.