Crocodilians farmed for luxury leather goods and meat face welfare conditions that reflect the economic value placed on their skins rather than their complex behavioural and physiological needs.
Farmed crocodilian welfare is poorly regulated and frequently inadequate. As ectotherms, crocodilians require specific temperature ranges for normal physiology - temperatures outside this range cause metabolic stress and immune suppression. Overcrowded conditions cause aggression and injury between individuals. Slaughter methods including pneumatic gun stunning followed by pithing have been documented to cause suffering when poorly executed. The welfare implications of supplying luxury fashion markets with crocodilian products are significant and receive insufficient attention relative to the value of the products involved.