Rabbit Meat Production - Global Review 2024

Official data on rabbit meat production are available for only a few countries. FAOSTAT  estimates that around 570 million rabbits (including hares) were slaughtered globally in 2021. Production is concentrated in Asia, with China accounting for more than half (53.1%) of global rabbit and hare meat production in 2021. The vast majority of growing rabbits and virtually all commercial breeding does are housed in cages or hutches. There is currently no specific legislation covering the welfare of rabbits on farm in the main producing countries/regions. Although proposals have yet to be published, the European Commission has been undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation.