Stud Farm Owner Refutes Cruelty Claims

John Byrialsen, owner of the now bankrupt Viegård Stutteri, rejects accusations of horse mistreatment, suggesting images showing poor conditions were taken in area dedicated to only sick horses. The revelation of emaciated horses on social media sparked outrage and protests in summer 2023. Despite 12 police inspections leading to four charges for animal welfare violations involving 35 issues in 2023, Byrialsen believes pressure from public demonstrations influenced the authorities. Additionally, 50 horse carcasses were found last year improperly buried on the farm’s premises. While Byrialsen admits burial without permission was a mistake, he insists they were interred properly over several years. After the farm’s bankruptcy in October, Byrialsen was cleared of similar charges in Poland from a decade-old case.