Animal welfare authorities impose multiple fines in Iceland for poor treatment of animals

Animal welfare authorities in Iceland imposed multiple fines in June and July for poor treatment of animals. The Food and Veterinary Authority found it necessary to penalize animal caretakers five times during this period due to serious violations of wellbeing standards. One food production company in Northern Iceland had all operations halted because of unsanitary conditions and significant deficiencies. However, production was later resumed after improvements were made, and the company will be closely monitored moving forward.

In a separate incident, a pig farm in Southwestern Iceland was fined approximately 195,000 ISK for failing to properly render a gilt unconscious before euthanizing it, which is a legal requirement. A horse owner in Southern Iceland faced daily fines of 10,000 ISK until they addressed animal welfare issues and mitigated safety risks. Additionally, a 175,000 ISK administrative fine was issued to a dairy farm in Western Iceland when their milking equipment became inoperable due to a power failure, leading to significant delays in milk production.

Moreover, a mink farm in Southwestern Iceland received daily fines of 10,000 ISK until animal welfare measures were improved.

In another case, a dog owner in Southern Iceland initially refused to surrender electric collars used on their dogs, which are illegal. Daily fines were imposed to enforce the surrender of the prohibited collars. Ultimately, the owner complied and returned the devices, but the Food and Veterinary Authority subsequently levied an administrative fine of 82,500 ISK against him.