Ostriches are farmed globally for meat, leather, and feathers, with welfare concerns related to housing, stress during handling, and slaughter methods.
Key Facts
Ostriches are the world's largest bird and can run at up to 70 km/h
They are highly stress-sensitive and difficult to handle without specialised low-stress methods
Ostrich feather harvesting under anaesthesia is less welfare-harmful than live plucking
Mobile slaughter at farm is less stressful than transport to abattoir for ostriches
Welfare Considerations
Transport to slaughter is a severe welfare challenge for ostriches due to their stress sensitivity and susceptibility to transport-induced myopathy. On-farm or mobile slaughter significantly reduces welfare harm. Housing must provide adequate space for running and natural behaviour.
What You Can Do
Advocate for on-farm or mobile slaughter as standard for ostriches
Support welfare certification schemes for ostrich products
Choose ostrich products from certified welfare-positive sources