Latest Investigation Reveals Cruelty to Horses in Icelandic Blood Farms Continues- Authorities Must Act Now
Animal welfare groups call for an immediate ban on the production, import and use of PMSG sourced from these facilities
Animals’ Angels USA (AA), the German based Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) and the Swiss based Tierschutzbund Zürich (TSB), together with several other animal welfare organizations, are urging the Icelandic government and the European Commission to end the production, import and use of the fertility hormone PMSG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin).
AWF and TSB have been documenting the horrible practices on Icelandic blood farms since 2019. A new investigation from September 2024 shows that the production of PMSG on so-called blood farms is still ripe with cruelty and abuse.
The semi-wild mares are subjected to extreme stress and pain during the blood collection process. The new footage shows the animals being beaten, poked with sticks and boards and forcefully restrained. The mares are tethered in unnatural positions with their heads tied up high, which leads to an increased risk of injury, mainly to their sensitive neck area.
The blood collections take place weekly over a period of eight weeks. Five liters of blood are drawn from the pregnant mares each time - a volume that far exceeds international standards. The burden on the mares is threefold: they usually still have a foal to care for, are pregnant at the same time and need to compensate for their blood loss.
The foals of the current 5,000 blood mares are also victims. Many are separated from their mothers during blood collection and panic. And sadly, there is no demand for these foals. The vast majority therefore end up in the slaughterhouse as a ‘by-product’ of PMSG production.
There are alternatives available
PMSG is mainly used in industrial pig breeding to synchronize births and increase productivity. But there are other ways to achieve this. More animal-friendly husbandry and management measures also serve the same purpose.
Producer Isteka - isolated cases or systematic abuse?
The Icelandic pharmaceutical company Isteka has repeatedly claimed in the past that the documented cases of mistreatment were isolated incidents. However, the latest investigation shows that the cruel treatment of animals is a common occurrence.
Isteka has also been promising improvements for years. However, the conditions for the animals remain unchanged and the business remains lucrative. PMSG's export revenue in 2024 rose to a record level of 11.5 million euros.
Icelandic veterinary authority caves under Isteka's pressure
In 2022, Isteka was granted a licence to produce PMSG for another three years. Following a complaint by AA, AWF, TSB and other organizations, the EFTA Surveillance Authority took action and issued a warning to Iceland. However, under pressure from Isteka, the Icelandic veterinary authority MAST decided that the company's license remains valid until October 2025.
Call for an immediate ban
In Europe, Iceland is the only country where blood farms exist. The practice violates current animal welfare laws and ethical principles. AA USA, AWF, TSB and partner organizations are therefore calling for an immediate ban:
- The European Commission must follow the call of the European Parliament and ban the import and production of PMSG. The Parliament has already adopted by a large majority the resolution on the “Farm to Fork” strategy in 2021. It includes a clause in which the Parliament calls on the EU Commission and the Member States to stop the import and production of PMSG.
- The Icelandic government must ensure that Isteka does not receive a new authorization to collect blood. The company's license expires in October 2025. MAST cannot renew Isteka's license under the current law. This offers a unique opportunity for Iceland to close a dark chapter in its history and make this cruel and predatory industry a thing of the past.
