Repeat break-in at Stjörnugrís farm kills five piglets

Five piglets died and a sow had to be euthanised after a repeat break-in at a Stjörnugrís pig farm at Brimnes in Kjalarnes, mbl.is reported. The break-in took place overnight, with the perpetrators smashing a window to enter.

According to a statement from the company, the damage was similar to that caused by the previous break-in. Fixtures were torn out, pens were opened and doors were left open, allowing the animals to roam freely through the buildings. Some also escaped onto fields near the farm.

The company said the consequences for the animals were serious. The sow suffered a broken leg and had to be put down, while numerous other animals were injured. Further effects could emerge over the coming days and weeks, including stress, reduced milk production among the sows and possible miscarriages.

The farm’s biosecurity was also seriously compromised because animals from different groups mixed together, and some left the farm buildings.

The incident has been reported to police and is under investigation. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority and the office of the chief veterinary officer have also been informed.

“We are deeply shocked that this has happened again, especially given how serious the consequences of the previous break-in were for the animals’ welfare,” Stjörnugrís chief executive Geir Gunnar Geirsson said.

Geirsson said that, in light of recent incidents at Reykjabú and Dalsbú, as well as the repeat break-in at the company’s pig farm, he believed the actions were not motivated by concern for animals or their welfare.

“On the contrary, it seems that the purpose is to cause animals fear, injuries and death,” he said. He urged those responsible to come forward and accept responsibility, and asked anyone with information to contact police.