The 'Alūksnes Bird Farm' was fined by local authorities following reports from an anonymous whistleblower, a farm employee, regarding the treatment of laying hens at the facility. Inspections revealed that in one of the barns, some hens were indeed kept confined in cages, which is against animal welfare standards that require birds to be able to move freely. The inconsistencies noted during the inspections sparked an administrative violation case against the farm.

In response to the accusations, representatives from 'Alūksnes Bird Farm' explained that the confinement of the hens was a temporary measure related to cleaning operations. However, the discrepancy raised serious concerns regarding animal treatment practices in the farm. The details of the fine amount remain undisclosed due to restricted access to that information, though it's been indicated that penalties for such violations can range from 110 to 1,000 euros.

Despite the farm's justification for the situation, the inspections validate ongoing scrutiny over animal welfare in Latvia. The oversight by the local authority emphasizes a commitment to enforcing regulations that protect animal rights, reflecting a growing public concern for ethical farming practices. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and transparency in the agricultural sector to uphold standards that ensure the well-being of livestock.