Deer farming for venison and velvet antler production is a significant industry in New Zealand, the UK, and China, with welfare concerns including velvet removal practices and management intensity.
Deer farming welfare challenges stem from keeping prey animals with strong flight responses in confined farm environments. Handling stress during routine procedures can be severe. Velvet antler removal without adequate pain management causes acute suffering and is a major welfare concern in countries where anaesthesia is not required. Velvet farms focused solely on antler production often keep deer in conditions that maximise antler growth at the expense of behavioural welfare. New Zealand's mandatory anaesthesia requirement for velvet removal represents a significant welfare improvement that should be adopted globally.