PVD detects welfare violations at 'Alūksne Bird Farm'
The Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia has initiated administrative proceedings against 'Alūksne Bird Farm' for violations of welfare regulations following an inspection triggered by a complaint.
The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) in Latvia has begun administrative proceedings against the poultry and egg production company SIA 'Alūksnes putnu ferma', which is part of the Agrova Baltics group, for breaches of animal welfare regulations. This action follows an extraordinary inspection that was conducted after a complaint was filed by the NGO 'Dzīvnieku brīvība'. During this inspection, the PVD found that two facilities registered for free-range farming were utilizing mixed systems with closed side structures, effectively treating them as cages, which hindered the chickens' ability to move freely. Upon a follow-up inspection, the PVD noted that the discrepancies they found had been addressed, suggesting a quick response from the farm management. The PVD's involvement is part of a broader oversight effort to ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained in Latvia. Valuable insights were drawn from the company's financial performance, as reported by 'Firmas.lv', indicating that the Agrova Baltics group experienced a significant income increase, with a reported turnover of 10.013 million euros in the first half of 2025, marking a 69.5% rise compared to the same period the previous year, and a profit of 1.722 million euros. This case highlights the ongoing challenges related to animal welfare in agricultural practices and the vigilance of regulatory bodies like the PVD to enforce compliance. The swift resolution of the initial findings demonstrates the responsibility of companies to adhere to welfare regulations, which are crucial for ethical farming practices.