“It’s not just one bad farm—this is a widespread issue,” say activists following release of covert footage of salmon farms in Scotland.
Three Scottish salmon farming sites, operated by Mowi, Bakkafrost, and Scottish Sea Farms, have been suspended from the RSPCA Assured certification scheme following the release of covert video footage by animal rights group Animal Equality UK.
The footage, taken earlier this year, reportedly depicts several breaches of animal welfare regulations at these farms, including fish being left out of water for prolonged periods and incidents of rough handling by workers.
The RSPCA Assured scheme, which certifies animal welfare standards for products sold in major UK supermarkets, announced that it had suspended the farms pending an investigation. “We have launched an immediate investigation into these allegations and suspended membership of the three farms from the RSPCA Assured scheme,” said an RSPCA Assured spokesperson. The suspension means that the farms cannot currently market or sell products under the RSPCA Assured label.
The footage was captured between April and August 2024 at farms located at Loch Alsh, operated by Mowi; Fiunary, operated by Scottish Sea Farms; and Ardcastle, operated by Bakkafrost.
Campaigners from Animal Equality UK argue that the video highlights “systemic and extreme animal suffering” in the Scottish salmon industry. Abigail Penny, Executive Director of Animal Equality UK, stated, “This footage demonstrates the need for far greater scrutiny of the industry. It’s not just one bad farm—this is a widespread issue.”
The farms under investigation supply major UK retailers, with some having partnerships with chains such as Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s. The RSPCA and relevant authorities are expected to release findings from their investigation in the coming months.
