Two companies associated with the Viegård Stutteri stud farm have been fined DKK 600,000 for violating animal welfare laws. The Central and Western Jutland Police announced the fines in a press release.

The violations stem from multiple unannounced inspections conducted throughout 2023. Authorities discovered buried remains of approximately 50 horses during an August 2023 visit, for which the stud farm lacked the necessary permits.

The investigation, which concluded in January 2024, comprised a substantial case file of around 3600 pages. The prosecution determined that the most severe violations involved irresponsible treatment of animals, but these violations did not warrant a claim for disqualification of the companies’ right to work with animals.

The case also saw related incidents, including clashes between citizens and stud farm employees, resulting in charges of violence and domestic peace violations. A 65-year-old farmer received an eight-month prison sentence for running over animal activists at the stud farm.

The former owner of the stud farm, John Byrialsen, has denied any allegations of animal abuse. The two companies, currently in bankruptcy proceedings, have agreed to pay the fines, precluding a court trial. The State Prosecutor has endorsed the prosecution’s decision to resolve the case with a fine.