Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority concludes no police complaint on mare incident

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has decided not to file a complaint with the police regarding a video showing a person potentially kicking a mare during a blood collection procedure. However, the agency is considering issuing a warning.

The incident emerged following the release of a documentary by animal welfare organizations in 2023, which depicted blood collection from pregnant mares. This was the second documentary on the practice, prompting widespread discussions in Iceland about the ethical implications of blood collection from mares. It also led to investigations into animal cruelty at blood collection farms and the establishment of a task force to evaluate the future of the industry.

Many found the conditions of the horses and the methods applied concerning. One segment of the documentary shows a person appearing to kick a mare, which causes her to react. MAST’s role includes assessing such incidents and determining whether they warrant police involvement.

Sigríður Björnsdóttir, a specialized equine veterinarian at MAST, explained that the organization reviewed the case and concluded that the severity of the incident did not merit police reporting. She noted that it remains unclear whether the kick actually made contact with the mare or just startled her. Despite this ruling, the agency does have alternative measures within its regulatory framework, and issuing a warning is a possibility.

Sigríður emphasized that this does not imply the act was acceptable, as it was still deemed concerning. The incident appears to have no lasting impact on the mare, allowing MAST to finalize the matter internally.