Goats are highly intelligent, social animals kept in a wide range of conditions globally, with welfare challenges in cashmere and dairy production.
Undercover investigations of cashmere farms have documented rough shearing, kicking, and dragging of goats during handling. Cashmere production has expanded dramatically in Mongolia causing overgrazing and habitat destruction that harms wildlife. Smallholder goats often lack veterinary care for common but painful conditions including foot rot and internal parasites. Social isolation causes measurable psychological suffering.