Barnacle geese winter in large numbers in Scotland and Ireland, with welfare considerations spanning their Arctic breeding grounds, migratory routes, and winter conflict with agricultural interests.
Barnacle geese face welfare challenges from human conflict management activities including scaring, chasing by dogs, and licensed culling aimed at reducing agricultural damage. Geese repeatedly disturbed by scaring devices expend energy reserves critical for spring migration and breeding. Licensed culling, while legal and managed, causes direct welfare harm to shot birds and distress to associated flock members. Management approaches that focus on non-lethal diversionary feeding and compensation to farmers reduce welfare costs while addressing the legitimate concerns of land managers.