Rabbit Meat Might Be Available for Purchase in CT

Somebody call Elmer Fudd, because it could soon be rabbit season in Connecticut.

A new legislative proposal in Connecticut may soon allow local farmers to sell rabbit meat to restaurants and grocery stores, expanding opportunities for small farms to meet growing consumer demand.

Current Demand for Rabbit Meat

Rabbit meat is already a sought-after product, according to Ken Buell, manager at Litchfield Locker, a butcher shop known for game meats.

“We probably sell one or two a week,” Buell explained, noting that demand increases significantly during the holidays. However, the rabbits he currently sells are sourced from a distributor, not local farms.

That could change with a bill introduced by state Rep. Joseph Gresko, D-Stratford.

The Proposed Measure

The legislation would extend a provision already in place for small poultry farmers, allowing Connecticut farmers to sell rabbit meat locally.

“The way we look at it is, if there's a demand for rabbit meat in local restaurants, in supermarkets, and there's a consumer demand for it, then we might as well make that option available to Connecticut farmers,” said Joan Nichols of the Connecticut Farm Bureau. “It's going to come from somewhere. Why shouldn't it come from our own Connecticut farms?”

Rabbit meat has long been for sale in states in the South, such as Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia. Connecticut could be next in line.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has supported similar proposals in the past. Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt previously testified, stating, “As consumers increase their interest and awareness of locally raised and produced foods, this proposal would create the opportunity for them to purchase locally raised rabbit meat.” He also recommended including a small producer exemption similar to one enacted for poultry farms, which would help open markets for small operations and offer consumers more ways to support local businesses.

Opposition to the Bill

The proposal has faced opposition from animal advocacy groups. Susan Linker of Connecticut Votes for Animals has testified against the measure in previous years.

“This bill has come back year after year, and each year I am just shocked and dismayed,” Linker said. “They’re smart, intelligent, social, loving creatures that people see as part of their families. Much like dog in Asia. Consumers are demanding that their pets are not killed for food.”

Clarifying Misconceptions

Rep. Gresko has pushed back against concerns from opponents, emphasizing the distinction between pet rabbits and rabbits raised for meat.

“Opponents, they think that the farmers are going to come to their house and take their domestic rabbit from them,” Gresko said. “There’s basically not enough meat on them to make it worthwhile.”

Health and Safety Considerations

One potential issue is rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), a highly contagious form of hepatitis that affects rabbits and hares. Gresko noted that the bill would include measures to ensure that farmers raising rabbits for meat keep their livestock quarantined and separate from wild rabbits to prevent the spread of disease.

“You’ve got to keep them quarantined,” Gresko explained.

A Step Toward Supporting Local Agriculture

If passed, the legislation would allow Connecticut farmers to meet the demand for rabbit meat while also providing consumers with locally sourced options. With support from agricultural advocates and the Department of Agriculture, the proposal aims to bolster local farms and expand Connecticut’s food economy.

While the debate continues, the bill reflects the state’s efforts to balance consumer demand, agricultural growth, and animal welfare concerns.

Information for this article has been sourced from: Farmers could sell rabbit meat in Connecticut under new proposal