Investigation in Iceland: Blood Collection & Laboratory Samples, PMSG Production
[Translate to English:] Frightened mare with eyes wide open and flared nostrils Verängstigte Stute mit weit geöffneten Augen und geweiteten Nüstern
[Translate to English:] Panicked mare trying to jump out of the restraint box In Panik geratene Stute versucht aus der Fixierbox zu springen
[Translate to English:] Farmer kicking a mare in the belly Bauer tritt einer Stute in den Bauch
In summer 2023, we conduct further investigations into the production of the fertility hormone PMSG in Iceland. The new footage from two blood farms shows that the suffering of the blood mares continues. They are kicked, beaten and confined in injury-inducing restraint boxes. The mares are frightened or panic, they resist and try to escape.
The cruelty to the animals does not only affect the blood collection itself, but also the taking of blood samples for laboratory tests. While the blood collection of five litres is carried out by a veterinarian, the blood samples are taken by the farmers or assistants who obviously have received no veterinary training to do so. They often insert the needle multiple times and poke around in the mares’ vein for up to one minute or more. This poses a considerable risk of infection and vein inflammation, in addition to causing pain. The insertion of the 0.5 cm cannula by the vet also triggers pain reactions, despite prior local anaesthesia.
Even in a blood farm with mares who are used to people, force and coercion have to be used to extract their blood. They are restrained inside the boxes with ropes, belts and metal rods. Even though the handling is calm, the mares still show clear signs of stress and fear. They are flight animals that are unable to follow their instincts.
As a result of an EFTA infringement procedure against Iceland, taking blood to obtain the PMSG hormone has been considered an animal experiment since November 2023. We urge the Icelandic authorities to not authorise blood collection under the new legal framework, since alternatives to PMSG exist.
