Draft seeks welfare standard for goats

The first animal welfare standard on goat raising and cashmere collecting in China is being drafted and may be adopted by the end of the year.

Ayongxi, chairman of the International Cooperation Committee of Animal Welfare, said the standard will promote pasture raising of goats, an internationally recognized practice, to give them more favorable living conditions, but proper indoor raising will also be allowed.

The standard will also give detailed regulations on collecting cashmere from goats - including the tools to be used, methods and frequency - to minimize their pain and discomfort, he said.