Latest investigation reveals systematic cruelty to horses in Icelandic PMSG production - authorities must act now
The German based Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) and the Swiss based Tierschutzbund Zürich (TSB) are urging the Icelandic government and the European Commission to end the production, import and use of the fertility hormone PMSG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin).
AWF and TSB have been documenting the horrible practices on Icelandic blood farms since 2019. A newly released investigation from September 2024 shows that the production of PMSG on so-called blood farms is still brutal to the animals.
“We have been presenting evidence for years that blood collection from pregnant Icelandic mares is in breach of the law. The Icelandic veterinary authority (MAST) tolerates the blood business against their better knowledge. This is not acceptable,” says Sabrina Gurtner, project manager at AWF and TSB.
Systematic suffering of the blood mares
The semi-wild mares are subjected to massive stress and pain during the blood collection process. The new footage shows the animals being beaten, poked with sticks and boards and forcefully restrained. The mares are tethered in unnatural positions with their heads tied up high, which leads to an increased risk of injury, mainly to their sensitive neck area.
“The blood collections take place weekly over a period of eight weeks. Five litres of blood are drawn from the pregnant mares each time - a volume that far exceeds international standards. The burden on the mares is threefold: they usually still have a foal to care for, are pregnant at the same time and need to compensate for their blood loss,” says Sabrina Gurtner.
The foals of the currently over 4,200 blood mares are also victims. Many are separated from their mothers during blood collection and panic. There is no demand for so many foals. The vast majority therefore ends up in the slaughterhouse as a ‘by-product’ of PMSG production.
There are alternatives available
PMSG is mainly used in industrial pig breeding to synchronise births and increase productivity. But there are other ways to achieve this. More animal-friendly husbandry and management measures also serve the same purpose.
Isteka: isolated cases or systematic abuses?
The Icelandic pharmaceutical company Isteka has repeatedly claimed in the past that the documented cases of mistreatment were isolated incidents. However, the latest revelations by AWF and TSB show that the cruel treatment of animals is systematic.
Isteka has also been promising improvements for years. “After more than 40 years in the blood business, Isteka should have learnt that you can't take blood from semi-wild horses without violence”, says Sabrina Gurtner. The business is lucrative. PMSG's export revenue in 2024 rose to a record level of 11.5 million euros.
Icelandic veterinary authority buckles under Isteka's pressure
In 2022, Isteka was granted a licence to produce PMSG for another three years. Following a complaint by the NGOs, the EFTA Surveillance Authority took action and issued a warning to Iceland. However, under pressure from Isteka, the Icelandic veterinary authority MAST decided that the company's licence remains valid until October 2025.
Call for a ban
In Europe, Iceland is the only country where blood farms exist. The practice violates current animal welfare laws and ethical principles. AWF, TSB and partner organisations from several countries are therefore calling for a ban:
- The European Commission must heed the call of the European Parliament and ban the import and production of PMSG. The Parliament has already adopted by a large majority the resolution on the “Farm to Fork” strategy in 2021. It includes a clause in which the Parliament calls on the EU Commission and the Member States to stop the import and production of PMSG.
- The Icelandic government must ensure that Isteka does not receive a new authorisation to collect blood. The company's licence expires in October 2025.
“MAST must not and cannot renew Isteka's licence under current law. This offers a unique opportunity for Iceland to close a dark chapter in its history and set an example for animal welfare,” says Sabrina Gurtner.