Food agency warns against actions that worsen animal suffering

The Food and Veterinary Authority has urged people to report suspected poor conditions for animals, while warning that interventions must not cause them further suffering, mbl.is reported.

The agency issued the warning after Einar Logi Pétursson, 25, posted a video on Instagram showing conditions inside a Stjörnugrís pig farm at Brimnes on Kjalarnes. Pétursson has admitted breaking into the farm. The video shows pigs with pressure sores and dead piglets.

The authority said reports of possible breaches of animal welfare are taken seriously and are followed up with investigations. If violations are confirmed, it requires corrective measures. It stressed that actions taken to draw attention to possible mistreatment must never cause or increase animals’ suffering.

The farm was broken into last May, when pens were opened and pigs let loose. Ten piglets died, another had to be euthanised because of its injuries, and other animals were injured.

The authority said it regularly inspects all animal keeping in the country, including pig farms, and follows up on any shortcomings in animal care or conditions.