Disturbing Footage Alleges Animal Abuse at Historic cotswolds Trout Farm
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Animal welfare concerns are mounting at Bibury trout farm in Gloucestershire, one of England’s oldest working trout farms, following the release of undercover footage appearing to show distressing animal welfare abuses, including the participation of children in the killing of fish.
Founded in 1902 in the picturesque village of Bibury – a location grappling with issues of over-tourism – the farm allows visitors to catch and kill trout using a rod, net, and a club, and improper stunning of the fish.
Undercover Footage Reveals Alleged abuse
The footage, released by Animal Equality UK, allegedly depicts fish being repeatedly struck – in some cases up to 10 times – before losing movement and consciousness. The charity alleges that some fish where left to suffocate for up to 20 minutes, considerably exceeding the RSPCA’s advice that farmed trout not be kept out of water for more than 15 seconds. Further claims include instances of trout still moving or gasping after an initial blow,and living fish being transported to the farm’s gutting station.
Perhaps most concerning, the footage reportedly shows at least one child participating in the killing of a fish, despite the farm’s stated policy prohibiting children from doing so. In one especially disturbing clip, a woman is seen striking a trout in front of a visibly upset child, later apologizing and attempting to personify the fish to the child.Another scene depicts a young child holding a teddy bear while a fish is beaten nearby.
“This is animal abuse, plain and simple,” stated Abigail Penny, the executive director of Animal Equality UK. “If dogs or cats were treated this way there would be national outrage and swift legal action. But as these are fish, the violence is ignored. We must ask ourselves: what are we teaching our children by allowing them to watch and take part in this suffering? What future are we creating where animals suffer so extremely, simply to land on our plates?”
Farm Responds to Allegations
Bibury trout farm has responded to the allegations, stating it is indeed “deeply concerned” and operates under the guidelines of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. However, Animal Equality UK contends that the observed behavior constitutes a breach of these regulations, which mandate the avoidance of prolonged or unneeded suffering during slaughter.
The farm maintains it has recently strengthened welfare measures, including a policy requiring one trained staff member to supervise no more than five fishing rods at any time. They also emphasize the educational role of the farm,aiming to help visitors understand food origins and responsible farming practices. All visitors are now required to watch a three-minute tutorial video and receive a briefing from staff, with clear signage reinforcing welfare standards. A strict zero-tolerance policy is in place for those who fail to follow the rules.
Broader Concerns About Trout Welfare
The allegations against Bibury trout farm come amid growing scrutiny of trout welfare standards in the UK. In March, Animal Equality UK and the Humane League UK published a report, authored by leading academics, arguing that “all steps throughout the process of slaughter, including the pre-slaughter stages, compromise the welfare of trout at the time of killing.”
The report highlighted issues such as hunger and aggression resulting from prolonged fasting, crowding, poor water quality, rough transport, and inadequate stunning techniques. The British Trout Association reports that approximately 17,000 tonnes of trout – roughly 20 million fish – are farmed and killed annually in Britain. “
Animal equality UK is now calling for legally enforceable, species-specific slaughter legislation for farmed fish, a proposal supported by the Animal Welfare Committee, a government advisory body. Penny argues that the current lack of specific protections creates a “legal and ethical vacuum,” leaving millions of fish vulnerable to unnecessary suffering.
The charity has instructed Advocates for Animals to file a formal complaint with Gloucestershire county council trading standards, which has stated it will provide advice to the farm and conduct an unannounced inspection.The future of Bibury trout farm, a long-standing fixture in the Cotswolds and a draw for tourists arriving from London and beyond, now hangs in the balance as authorities investigate these serious allegations.
