Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Deer Velvet Antler Welfare

Velvet antler removal is practiced in several deer-farming countries for traditional medicine markets. Welfare standards for the procedure vary significantly.

Key Facts

Velvet antler is harvested in New Zealand, China, Russia, and other deer-farming countries
The procedure uses sedation and local anaesthesia in New Zealand but is less regulated elsewhere
Growing antler contains nerve endings and blood supply making removal painful without adequate analgesia
Multiple annual removals are practiced in some operations, maximizing welfare burden
Consumer markets in Asia driving velvet antler demand are remote from welfare standards at farm level

Welfare Considerations

Velvet antler welfare varies enormously between jurisdictions based on procedural requirements for sedation and analgesia. New Zealand's regulated approach using veterinary sedation represents better practice, while unregulated markets allow procedures that cause significant pain without analgesic protection. Supply chain transparency connecting consumer markets to farm welfare standards is limited.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing velvet antler products given welfare uncertainty in many supply chains
Support certified velvet antler products from New Zealand with documented welfare protocols
Advocate for import welfare standards that require analgesic protocols for velvet antler products
Support campaigns for consistent international welfare standards for deer farming procedures