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Bucklebury Farm Ends Small-Animal Petting, Partners With Charity to Set Welfare Standards

The move follows outreach to 573 farm parks by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, positioning the Berkshire estate to model higher-welfare visitor practices.

Overview

  • Announced on October 29, Bucklebury Farm has halted public handling of its nine rabbits, guinea pigs and young goats.
  • The estate has installed spacious, enriched rabbit enclosures that let animals choose whether to interact with visitors.
  • The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund says Bucklebury was the only site of 573 contacted to act almost immediately.
  • Bucklebury Farm and RAWF will co-launch new Farm Park Welfare Standards to guide other farm parks and rabbit owners.
  • Separately, West Berkshire Council approved a nursery at the site this year despite earlier highways objections, citing strong social benefits.