The global cashmere industry affects millions of goats, with welfare standards varying enormously between production systems and regions.
Cashmere goat welfare is affected by both individual farm management and broader industry pressures. The global demand for cheap cashmere has driven herd expansion that degrades pasture quality, meaning goats in some regions have inadequate nutrition. The combing process itself can be conducted humanely or roughly - goats should be calm and cooperative when properly handled, but poorly managed operations cause significant stress and discomfort. Cold stress is a welfare concern when goats are shorn too early in the season before temperatures warm. The environmental degradation from overgrazing creates a long-term threat to the nutritional base that goats depend on. Certified sustainable cashmere programs attempt to address both welfare and environmental dimensions of production.