During the investigation, five rabbits were saved from slaughter by EBAA. This project marks the first time an animal welfare organization has investigated the rabbit meat industry the United States.

Each year over eight million rabbits are raised and slaughtered for their meat by approximately 200,000 producers across the country. Known primarily as a cottage industry, American rabbit
meat production is largely unregulated by the federal, state and local authorities. The United States Department of Agriculture classifies rabbits as poultry. Designated as farm animals, meat rabbits are denied legal protection by the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and Animal Welfare Act.