As families across the UK prepare for October half-term visits to farm parks, the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) is urging parents to reconsider taking part in rabbit petting activities due to serious welfare concerns.
Ahead of the holidays, the RWAF contacted all 573 UK farm parks asking them to end rabbit petting sessions. These popular ‘pat-a-pet’ activities often involve visitors handling rabbits on tables or in crates. However, evidence shows that regular handling causes fear, stress, and long-term health effects in rabbits.
Only one farm park, Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire, agreed to make changes following the RWAF’s appeal.
New RWAF research revealed that 95% of people would not take part in petting sessions if they thought the animals were scared. More than half of respondents (53%) rated rabbit welfare at farm parks as poor or very poor, while 78% believed daily handling is harmful.
To most visitors, a rabbit sitting still might appear calm, but stillness is often a sign of fear. Studies show that handling triggers measurable stress responses in rabbits, including elevated heart rate, body temperature, and stress hormones. Prolonged handling can weaken immunity, disrupt digestion, and increase susceptibility to illness.
Rae Walters, CEO of the RWAF, said:
“Most of the farm parks I have spoken to deny that letting rabbits out to be handled, stroked, and picked up can be frightening for the animals involved, but we know that to be the case. Sadly, it is an activity that has long been embedded into farm park culture and draws a crowd. Who can blame children and adults for wanting to stroke rabbits? They are beautiful animals. But the truth is that this practice is terrifying for them. If more farm park visitors understood the negative effect on their wellbeing, we believe they would be happy to engage in alternative activities.”
Bucklebury Farm was the first to respond positively. Its Managing Director, Oliver Shute, explained:
“The changes we have made at Bucklebury Farm are all about giving our rabbits the life they truly deserve. They have space to run, dig, and hide, which helps them feel safe and content. For us, it is not just about visitors seeing animals, it is about showing what proper welfare looks like.”
The RWAF is calling on farm parks to sign up to its ‘Pat a Pet Pledge’, which encourages venues to replace rabbit petting with welfare-focused educational activities. Examples include preparing rabbit treats and enrichment games or learning through interactive quizzes, helping children understand animal behaviour and respect from an early age.
Media vet and RWAF patron Emma Milne added:
“The stress caused by these interactions cannot be overstated, and it can have devastating effects on the long-term health of these animals. I would urge farm parks to listen to the RWAF’s advice and educate visitors about the complex needs of rabbits.”
The RWAF continues to campaign for improved standards and education around rabbit welfare, calling for petting activities to be replaced by enrichment-led, welfare-first experiences.
For more information or to arrange an interview: contact: RWAF@nobullagency.co.uk
If you are a farm park that wants to lead the way in welfare for rabbits, get in touch: RWAF@nobullagency.co.uk
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Dan Everett