Geese are highly social, intelligent waterfowl raised for meat, down, and foie gras production. Their welfare is often compromised by intensive systems that deny access to water, space, and social complexity.
Goose welfare is severely compromised in intensive production systems designed around economic efficiency rather than species needs. Waterfowl biology is inseparable from water: geese use open water for bathing, preening, drinking, mating, and thermoregulation. Denying access causes feather degradation, eye problems, and significant psychological stress. The social complexity of geese — including long-term partnerships and group communication — is disrupted by high-density crowding with unfamiliar individuals. Foie gras production represents a particularly severe welfare concern, with force-feeding causing oesophageal trauma and organ dysfunction. Live-plucking for down causes acute pain and repeated stress. Consumer pressure and legislative action have driven bans on the most egregious practices in Europe and elsewhere, but enforcement across global supply chains remains uneven.