Article about blood farms in the magazine of the Austrian Icelandic Horse Association

The Austrian Icelandic Horse Association reports on our research in Iceland in the current issue of its association magazine "Islandpferde in Österreich" (Icelandic horses in Austria). This attention is particularly valuable in view of the fateful year 2026 for blood mares. Now the government and veterinary authorities must decide whether they want to continue to approve the cruel business with blood from pregnant mares for PMSG, or whether they will finally ban it.

The license for blood collection from pregnant Icelandic mares expired in October 2025. It remains to be seen whether the blood farms will be allowed to continue operating in 2026. The European Supervisory Authority (ESA) classifies blood collection as animal testing – and therefore subject to approval. Since alternatives to the hormone PMSG have long been available, the blood farms do not meet the legal requirements for an approval. Nevertheless, the pharmaceutical company Ísteka is attempting to continue the business by filing a lawsuit.

Our undercover investigations show that blood collection is systematically associated with massive violence, stress, and injury to the mares. The horses are separated from their foals, forced into cramped blood boxes, beaten, restrained, and poked with thick needles. Particularly sad: according to video recordings, veterinarians are also actively involved in this system.

But political resistance is growing: Iceland's ruling parties are speaking out against blood farms, as are the majority of the population, according to a recent survey. However, there is still no concrete ban. At the same time, the responsible authorities are failing to carry out inspections.

For around 4,000 Icelandic mares, 2026 will be a fateful year – it will decide whether this cruel business ends or continues.

Read full article here (in German)

Our latest film about the blood business in Iceland