Rhinoceroses face severe welfare threats from poaching for their horns. The physical trauma of poaching and anti-poaching interventions both affect individual rhino welfare.
Rhino poaching causes direct welfare harm through gunshot wounds, horn removal from living animals, and stress from pursuit. Anti-poaching measures including dehorning cause their own welfare impacts but are sometimes judged necessary to prevent greater harm. The fundamental driver is consumer demand for horn in Asian markets, making demand reduction campaigns a high-leverage welfare intervention. Supporting anti-poaching operations that also address ranger welfare creates more sustainable protection.