Goose farming raises serious welfare concerns in two specific contexts: foie gras production through force-feeding, and down production through live plucking - both causing significant suffering.
Goose welfare in these production contexts involves severe, intentional suffering. Force-feeding creates a painful pathological condition; live plucking causes direct pain from feather removal. Both practices are banned in the UK but continue in exporting countries, allowing their welfare costs to be outsourced to consumers who may be unaware of the production method. Consumer avoidance of foie gras and careful verification of down product certification are direct welfare actions. Supporting campaign organisations working for import bans of foie gras is particularly impactful.