Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority decides against police report in horse kicking incident

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has decided not to file a police report regarding a video depicting an individual allegedly kicking a horse during a blood collection. However, the authority is considering issuing a warning instead.

MAST representatives believe that the incident shown in the footage does not warrant a police complaint. This decision arises after animal welfare organizations released a documentary in 2023 highlighting blood collection from pregnant mares, sparking significant debate in Iceland over the practice. The previous documentary led to an investigation into animal welfare at blood collection farms, as well as the establishment of a special working group to assess the future of this industry.

The conditions of the horses and the methods employed have drawn sharp criticism. The video in question shows a person appearing to kick a horse, which reacts visibly. MAST is tasked with evaluating such cases to determine if legal action is necessary.

Sigríður Björnsdóttir, a specialized equine veterinarian at MAST, stated that the case has been thoroughly reviewed by experts. She noted that the severity of the incident was deemed insufficient to warrant police action, particularly because it is unclear whether the kick made actual contact with the horse or merely startled it. Although MAST will pursue other regulatory actions, such as issuing a warning, the incident is not considered insignificant. Sigríður emphasized that the horse seems to have suffered no lasting effects, allowing MAST to resolve the matter within its regulatory framework.