A proposed draft welfare code that governs how goats are treated in New Zealand has angered animal welfare campaigners.

They say  the suffering of tethered roadside goats has been ignored.

National animal advocacy organisation SAFE says goats are highly intelligent and social creatures that require specialised care and management and should be kept in social herds.

SAFE wants the draft welfare code be amended to prohibit the tethering of solitary roadside goats.

Meantime, MAF and the SPCA say they receive more complaints from the public about neglected tethered goats than about any other cases of animal abuse.

Tethered goats are often starved, attacked by dogs or hit by passing vehicles.

Public submissions on the new goat welfare code close on Friday.