Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews have ended petting sessions for rabbits, guinea pigs, and young goats at their £1.5 million Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire, following welfare concerns raised by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RAWF).
The farm, which includes a deer park and children's play areas, acted after RAWF contacted 573 farms to request greater animal protection. Bucklebury Farm is now collaborating with the charity to phase out 'pat-a-pet sessions' and develop new Farm Park Welfare Standards.
In an Instagram post, RAWF said: 'Earlier this year, we launched our Don’t Bug Bunnies campaign to highlight the issues of Pat a Pet sessions & poor living conditions at Farm Parks. Farm parks might look like fun family days out but behind the scenes, many animals, especially rabbits and guinea pigs, are suffering.'
The charity added that Bucklebury Farm has invested in spacious, enriched housing for its rabbits and will help educate other farm parks. The farm, purchased by the couple in 2020, has previously been visited by Princess Kate and her family, including Prince George.
