http://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2020/464/chapter/II/section/5Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/464 of 26 March 2020 laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of organic products and information to be provided by Member States (Text with EEA relevance)Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/464Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/464 of 26 March 2020 laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of organic products and information to be provided by Member States (Text with EEA relevance)2021-02-09King's Printer of Acts of Parliamenthttps://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/eu-exit/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02020R0464-20201215texttext/xmlen2020-12-15CHAPTER IILIVESTOCK
SECTION 5 RABBITS
Article 17Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk

The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 for feeding suckling rabbits preferably with maternal milk shall be 42 days after birth.

Article 18Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas

For rabbits, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall be as set out in Part V of Annex I.

Article 19Characteristics of and technical requirements for mobile or fixed housing1.

During the grazing season, rabbits shall be kept in mobile housing on pastures or in fixed housing with access to pasture.

2.

Outside the grazing season, rabbits may be kept in fixed housing with access to an outdoor run with vegetation, preferably pasture.

3.

Mobile housing on pastures shall be moved as often as possible to ensure the maximum use of grazing pasture and shall be constructed in such a way that it is possible for rabbits to graze the pasture on the floor.

Article 20Characteristics of and technical requirements for indoor and outdoor areas1.

The indoor area in fixed and mobile housing shall be constructed in such a way that:

(a)

its height is sufficient to allow all rabbits to stand with ears erect;

(b)

it can accommodate different groups of rabbits and allow the preservation of the broods’ integrity upon transfer to the fattening phase;

(c)

it is possible for bucks and pregnant and reproductive does to be separated from the group for specific animal welfare reasons and for a limited period provided they can keep eye contact with other rabbits;

(d)

it is possible for the doe to move away from the nest and return in the nest for nursing the kits;

(e)

it provides:

(i)

covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all categories of rabbits;

(ii)

access to nests for all does at least one week before the expected date of birth and at least till the end of the nursing period of the kits;

(iii)

access to nests for kits in sufficient number with a minimum of one nest per nursing doe with kits;

(iv)

materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.

2.

The outdoor area in facilities with fixed housing shall be constructed in such a way that:

(a)

it has raised platforms in sufficient number and evenly distributed on its minimum surface;

(b)

it is surrounded by fences that are high and deep enough to prevent flight either by jumping or digging;

(c)

if it has a concrete outside area, there is an easy access to the part of the outdoor run with vegetation. Without such easy access, the surface of the concrete area may not be included in the calculation of the minimum surface of the outdoor area;

(d)

it provides:

(i)

covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all categories of rabbits;

(ii)

materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.

Article 21Requirements for vegetation and characteristics and open air areas1.

The vegetation of the outdoor runs shall be maintained regularly and in such a way that it is attractive to rabbits.

2.

During the grazing season, pastures shall be rotated regularly and managed in such a way that the grazing of rabbits is optimised.