Farm Animals

Farmed Deer Antler Velvet: Welfare Assessment

Antler velvet harvesting from farmed deer is a contentious practice with significant welfare implications that remain under-researched and poorly regulated in many countries.

Key Facts

Antler velvet is the soft tissue covering growing deer antlers, harvested for traditional medicine markets
Velvet harvesting is conducted under general anaesthesia in some countries but without anaesthesia in others
Antler regrowth after velvet removal appears to cause pain based on deer behaviour during recovery
New Zealand has mandatory velvet harvesting protocols including anaesthesia; standards are weaker elsewhere

Welfare Considerations

Velvet harvesting represents an unnecessary welfare cost when conducted without adequate anaesthesia and pain relief. Stricter regulations requiring anaesthesia and post-operative care are needed globally to bring standards in line with best practice.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory anaesthesia in antler velvet harvesting regulations
Support organisations monitoring farmed deer welfare internationally
Avoid traditional medicine products derived from antler velvet from unregulated sources