12. December 2021

PMSG investigation in Uruguay: Blood farm Biomega

Emaciated mare in a pasture with low-nutrient grass.

Muddy ponds with dirty water are the only access to water.

Open, untreated wound covered with flies.

The horse skull has no bullet hole. The horse probably died without assistance.

The severely emaciated and lame mare is in a very bad condition and has untreated wounds.

During an investigation in Uruguay, we observe the Biomega blood farm over two days. Blood collections from pregnant mares continue to take place to produce the fertility hormone PMSG. We take a look at the wide pastures where the so-called “blood mares” are kept. It is very hot, and the small bushes do not provide enough shade for the horses. The short dry grass is not sufficient for the horses’ needs as it is not rich in nutrients. There is no additional feed such as hay or minerals. The water sources are dirty ponds.

Once again, we notice horses in poor condition. The overlong hooves and shaggy coats show that the horses have been neglected. Many mares are thin to severely emaciated. According to the legally binding Uruguayan Animal Welfare Manual, blood must not be taken from these mares. Some are even cachectic, i.e. morbidly emaciated. However, the blood farmers want to make their profits as high as possible and still take their blood. No money is spent on veterinary care. We discover two severely injured horses that need to be treated urgently or, if necessary, emergency killed. In the middle of the pastures, we find bones and horse skulls, without bullet holes. Hence, these horses had also been abandoned to their fate. Euthanising sick and injured horses is not part of the South American culture.

Biomega violates Uruguayan animal welfare laws. In a petition, which is supported by international NGOs, we call on the Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou to ban PMSG production in Uruguay.