Vegan Terror: How Animal Defenders Operate in Latvia

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In recent decades, a new aggressive movement has intensified in Western countries - a radicalized part of animal defenders, writes Latvijas Avīze.

In Latvia, there have not yet been any attacks on meat traders; however, there are activist groups that hold pickets, actions, and appeal to lawmakers in the interest of animal welfare.

Recently, suspicions arose regarding actions against the company "Alūksnes putnu ferma," where attempts of illegal entry were recorded. The organization "Dzīvnieku brīvība" provided the LTV program "Aizliegtais paņēmiens" with an anonymous video showing the conditions of laying hens, claiming it was filmed at the second largest egg production facility in Latvia - "Alūksnes putnu ferma." The footage shows disturbing scenes: half-dead and dead birds, individuals infested with mites, and beaks trimmed to prevent the birds from pecking each other.

Representatives of the enterprise question the authenticity of the video material and state that such problems do not exist in their farm. The Food and Veterinary Service (PVS) also reported that no significant violations of animal welfare were found during inspections at this facility. Monitoring is conducted regularly and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The company "Alūksnes putnu ferma" previously complained that in February and March of this year, at least four attempts of unauthorized entry were recorded on its territory, including using unmanned aerial vehicles - drones. The enterprise contacted law enforcement. The fact of the intrusion is acknowledged by the organization "Dzīvnieku brīvība," although it interprets it in its own way.

"According to the information we have, the materials were obtained by informants who entered the farm without breaking in, damaging nothing, and strictly adhering to biosecurity measures - using personal protective equipment and disinfection," explained the organization's leader, Katrīna Krigere.

However, the enterprise itself cannot be called completely impeccable - the PVS previously initiated an administrative case due to identified violations of animal welfare requirements. It was established that in two rooms registered as cage-free, so-called combined systems were used: part of the structures was closed, effectively limiting the movement of some birds. Later, during a follow-up inspection, the PVS confirmed that the violations had been rectified.

The enterprise explained that the temporary restriction of hens in one of the workshops was related to cleaning operations and had the sole purpose of ensuring the safety and welfare of the birds. Overall, in the case of Alūksne, both sides are limited to mutual accusations. However, in other countries, animal protection sometimes takes on a distinctly criminal character.