SPCA supports farming systems which allow the rabbits a choice or environments with sufficient shelter and shade and that give rabbits access to pasture throughout the year, or whenever conditions allow. Rabbits must be kept in environments that provide for their behavioural needs, such as burrowing, hiding, and gnawing. They must also have enough space to run, jump, lie down (including stretched out) and have sufficient height to raise themselves to their full height. Rabbits should be provided with sufficient space and hiding places to escape aggressive interactions. Stocking densities should be controlled to prevent stress and negative social interactions. Rabbits must have access to solid surfaces at all times, including the provision of solid mats for resting and under feeders or waterers if they are housed in wire-bottom cages. Rabbit housing must protect rabbits from animals that may cause stress and disease, such as wild rabbits or predatory animals. Rabbits should have access to a separate, sheltered sleeping or nesting area that is away from areas where they toilet. Within the housing environment, temperature should be maintained within rabbits’ thermal comfort zone using ventilation systems.

SPCA advocates that breeding does are housed in suitable environments that minimise aversive social interactions, including aggression.

For breeding does, it is important that stable social groups are maintained, and they are provided with sufficient space, good nests, and additional resources within the pen such as barriers and hiding places, to minimise aggression. Nests should have plenty of nesting material, such as dried grass, straw or shredded paper. The size of the nest needs to be carefully determined based on the breed of rabbit.

SPCA advocates that rabbits are handled as little as possible. If handling is necessary, it is done using low-stress, force-free handling techniques.

Rabbits must never be lifted by their ears or limbs, nor be induced into a state of tonic immobility. Rabbits should be handled with their spine and legs supported and lifted securely to minimise injury.

Rabbits must receive adequate quantities of nutritious food including free access to high quality hay or other form of roughage to enable each rabbit to maintain good health and welfare.

Rabbits in meat production systems, including breeding does, should not be subjected to a restricted feed regime as this compromises rabbit welfare. Rabbits should not be feed restricted post-weaning as this carries an inherent risk of gastrointestinal issues and associated mortality. Rabbits need to be provided with a high fibre-diet, such as roughage.

SPCA supports the practice of vaccinating farmed rabbits against RHDV to ensure their health is protected against the purposeful release of this virus.