Animal welfare group says pig farming delays must end

The Icelandic Animal Protection Association says recent footage from pig farms highlights serious systemic problems and calls for animal welfare to take priority over production. The association’s statement was reported by mbl.is.

The footage shows dead and dying piglets among other animals, pigs with wounds, a lack of bedding for rooting, and conditions that the association says appear inconsistent with current welfare rules.

The association also called for greater transparency and stronger official oversight. It said the public should not have to rely on individuals obtaining footage to learn about the conditions in which animals raised for food are kept.

The association said authorities have granted exemptions from rules intended to protect pigs for years. Although tail docking is banned, pig farmers have been allowed to cut the tails of piglets only a few days old without anaesthesia, it said. The association argued that animals are being mutilated instead of improving their conditions, in a system focused on maximising production at the lowest cost.

Pig farmers have until January 1, 2028, to meet the requirements of the regulation on pig welfare. The association said the additional time should be reconsidered and, at minimum, must be final, with no further exemptions.