Last year a survey was done to try and determine the extent of the problem, the result was an estimate of 43,000 rabbits abandoned nationwide in shelters in 1996. So it is not possible that more than 100,000 rabbits could have been euthanized in 1996, and these figures would also suggest the survey results are valid. Apparently one rabbit rescue groups is stating that over 1 million rabbits are euthanized yearly, another rumor. I did check with this group and they now say they never said that. The Pet Products Manufacturing Association estimated that as of 1996 there were 4 million pet rabbits.
Overpopulation is used by animal rights activists to push for restrictive breeding ordinances.
According to Clifton the peak of euthanasia occurred in 1987 with 17.8 million animals killed in shelters and since that time the number has gone down quite dramatically. If you check with the larger animal rights groups they are giving much higher figures, afterall a decreasing rate of abandoned animals is not a good argument to use to restrict breeding. The true cause of abandonment is the irresponsible pet owner. This person is often the impulse buyer who does not bother to alter their animal and in turn ends up with babies that are then dumped. These people don't care about learning about the proper care or buying from a reputable, responsible breeder, all they want is the animal and they want it now.