Consumer perception of rabbit meat production

Consumers are increasingly concerned about how their food is produced and the welfare of the animals involved. Decreasing trends in rabbit meat consumption globally are associated with a perception of rabbits principally as companion animals. Production and consumption of rabbit meat in Europe is declining, partly attributable to rising criticism of welfare conditions, and rabbit meat is seen as expensive and more difficult to prepare which is less attractive to consumers. Surveys of consumer attitudes to rabbit meat purchasing and consumption reveal that concerns around production and housing are important factors affecting consumers purchasing decisions.