Dairy goats are farmed in increasing numbers globally, with welfare challenges including early kid separation, intensive housing, and lack of species-specific regulation.
Goats are inquisitive, active animals with strong social bonds. Early kid separation causes vocalisation stress lasting 24-72 hours in both mothers and offspring. Intensive housing on concrete or slatted floors causes foot problems and prevents natural behaviour. Disbudding (horn removal) of kids is routinely performed without adequate anaesthesia. Goat-specific welfare regulations are weaker than cattle standards in many countries.