The rabbit farm and the online 'follow' that led to a feud with the trans lobby: JULIE BINDEL

A small rabbit rescue in British Columbia has found itself at the centre of a heated online dispute. Daisy and Chris Barrett, who run Carrot Cottage Rabbit Rescue, faced accusations of fraud and transphobia after a Canadian activist questioned their fundraising. The couple, who care for over 150 rescued bunnies, have since gained unexpected support from high-profile figures.

The controversy began in 2024 when Kendal Innes, a trans activist, accused the Barretts of faking veterinary bills to fraudulently collect donations. The couple, who rely on public support to fund their sanctuary, were also criticised for following an X account that had posted a joke about a rabbit decorated with the Progress Pride Flag, asking, 'Is he trans?' Trans activists deemed this offensive and targeted the rescue, calling them transphobic.

The backlash escalated quickly. Chris, who manages the sanctuary’s social media, was flooded with abusive messages, labelled a 'bigot', 'Nazi', and 'paedo'. Some even attempted to revoke the charity’s legal status, while others accused the couple of anti-Semitism and falsifying vet records. Despite the harassment, the Barretts refused to apologise, unfollow, or block the disputed accounts, insisting they had done nothing wrong. Initially, Carrot Cottage’s social media following dropped. But as the story spread, their supporters grew, reaching 30,000. Notable figures, including author JK Rowling and MP Rosie Duffield, publicly backed the couple. The Barretts have since become a rallying point for critics of the trans movement and have participated in protests against the Welsh government.

The dispute has left Carrot Cottage with a divided public image. While some continue to condemn the couple, others have turned them into a symbol of resistance against online activism. The sanctuary’s future now depends on whether the increased support will outweigh the ongoing controversy.