Controversy Strikes: Mowi’s RSPCA Certification Suspended Amid Animal Cruelty Allegations

In a significant development for the aquaculture industry, Mowi, a leading Norwegian salmon farmer, has had its RSPCA Assured certification suspended following alarming allegations of animal cruelty at its facility on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. This action comes in light of a report by The Times, which has raised serious concerns over the treatment of fish within the company’s operations.

Disturbing Undercover Footage

The controversy erupted after the environmental campaign group Green Britain Foundation released undercover footage that allegedly depicts egregious practices at Mowi’s Loch Harport site. The video includes shocking scenes of fish being suffocated and beaten, with one fish reportedly crushed under a worker’s heel. Such imagery has sent ripples through the farming community, prompting a deeper investigation.

RSPCA’s Response and Investigation

The RSPCA has described the footage as “extremely upsetting” and has initiated an investigation based on the video evidence. In response to these allegations, prominent UK supermarkets including J. Sainsbury and Waitrose & Partners are reevaluating their contracts with Mowi. Notably, Sainsbury’s has temporarily suspended supply from the affected site pending the results of the inquiry.

Welfare Violations Highlighted

The footage, filmed over a month, allegedly showcases violations of established animal welfare guidelines. This includes exceeding the 15-second limit for keeping fish out of water and the improper use of a percussive stun device during fish dispatch. Such violations could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of aquaculture standards in the UK.

Mowi’s Defense and Future Actions

In its defense, Mowi stated that the video has been “reviewed” and that the husbandry staff at the farm were in the process of removing a small number of poorly performing fish from a larger pen. “We do understand why the footage showing these fish being dispatched may be concerning to some people, but percussive stun to dispatch fish is the most effective and humane method in these circumstances,” the company remarked in a statement.

Mowi has committed to providing refresher courses for staff to ensure compliance with the RSPCA welfare scheme, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining high welfare standards.

Previous Incidents in the Industry

This incident is not isolated; in the fall of 2024, sites operated by Scottish Sea Farms, Mowi, and Bakkafrost were temporarily suspended from the RSPCA’s welfare certification scheme after videos surfaced showing live fish suffocating out of water. This highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare in the aquaculture sector, which continues to face growing scrutiny from NGOs and consumers alike.

As the investigation unfolds, the industry will be watching closely to see how Mowi responds to these serious allegations and what steps will be taken to uphold welfare standards in salmon farming.