How Does This Removal Affect the Animal?

Animal Welfare Issues

A number of misperceptions persist about the removal of deer velvet and the following facts will attempt to address some of these.

• Deer velvet regenerates naturally every year so the deer are not killed for their

antlers.

• Velvet is removed using methods proven to ensure analgesia, so deer feel no pain.

• The National Velveting Standards Boards (NVSB) audits animal welfare

standards and provides means of tracability.

• Non-Removal of antlers presents a significant danger to deer and other

stock and also handlers.

These animals are very valuable and the welfare of the animal is paramount.  Velvet Antler removal is considered in New Zealand as a surgical procedure and is performed in compliance with a strict Velveting Code of Practice to ensure the animals are unharmed.  This is done by either Veterinarians or people trained and certified under an industry training programme developed in association with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Animal Welfare Advisor Committee and animal welfare groups.

Antler removal is a relatively quick and painless procedure and the animals are immediately released to graze. If the weather is inclement they are kept inside and hand-fed to avoid any risk of infection or stress.

Gloriavale Deer Farm uses only its own velvet or velvet bought from herds that have been approved by the New Zealand Game Board for their high animal welfare standards.

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