14/07/2024
We pride ourselves on being open to everyone and welcoming applications from families with children, judging each application on an individual basis and knowing each of our animals' needs and wants 🐰❤️
Over the years, we've rehomed almost 3,000 animals, the majority of which have been to families with children of varying ages. We do, however, always insist on the children coming along to meet the animals to check their interactions are safe before any promises are made 👪
Today, for the first time, we had to turn away a family following the behaviour of their children on the initial viewing of some guinea pigs. With vegetables being thrown at the animals, guinea pigs being held upside down and children climbing all over the guinea pigs without any control whatsoever, it was a matter of seconds before it became clear these children would be a danger to the animals 💔
Unfortunately, this family had to be told a firm no to adoption, and the whole situation left us shaken. Luckily the guinea pigs are unharmed and are munching away on their dinner! 🥕
No matter how wonderful a setup or how experienced the adoptee, if the children can't remain calm and gentle around the animals, they're not adopting. We understand it's exciting coming to meet new animals, but it's not our priority to please your children - it's keeping our animals healthy and happy 🐷❤️
We don't want to have to change our adoption criteria and set a minimum age, as we know all families are different. So for now, please remember that the rescue is our home, and our animals' home. It is not a children's playground or a fun day out. We're saving lives, not providing a quick hour of entertainment 🙏
We have to remind ourselves that families like this are luckily the exception, and we are so thankful for the many hundreds of lovely families we've worked with over the years! ❤️
