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Bucklebury Farm Ends Petting Sessions, Partners With RAWF to Set Welfare Standards

Prompted by a sector-wide welfare push, the Berkshire site is partnering with campaigners to publish guidance for small-animal encounters.

Overview

  • Public handling of the farm’s nine rabbits, guinea pigs and young goats has been discontinued following concerns raised by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund.
  • New spacious enclosures let animals choose whether to approach visitors, with staff refocusing visits on education about behavior and welfare.
  • RAWF says it contacted 573 farms seeking stronger protections, and Bucklebury Farm was the first to act immediately.
  • The farm will co-launch new Farm Park Welfare Standards with RAWF to guide other attractions and rabbit owners.
  • Owned by Pippa Middleton and James Matthews since 2020, the 72-acre site continues to diversify, winning council approval for a nursery despite earlier traffic objections.