Geese are farmed for meat, liver, and down feathers. Live plucking for down causes significant pain and welfare harm that consumer pressure and certification are addressing.
Goose down welfare depends entirely on how it is collected. Live plucking causes clear suffering that no consumer demand justifies. RDS certification provides a credible guarantee against live plucking and force-feeding. Consumers who verify RDS certification on down products ensure their purchase does not support these practices. Geese in welfare-conscious systems can also have better lives overall with appropriate social housing and behavioral opportunities.