The threats are said to be specifically related to MAST’s intervention in animal husbandry and coercive measures that the agency uses when animal welfare is violated. In announcement on the organization’s website says that pictures of staff are published on social media and they are identified.
The harassment has gone so far that some staff do not feel safe at home and there are examples of them setting up security systems and fearing for their children. Relatives of staff have also received threatening and inappropriate messages at night.
Þóra Jónasdóttir, MAST’s chief animal scientist, said that the staff of the organization had been beaten or pushed in the course of their work in an interview in Bítin á Bylgjuni this morning. In the most serious case of violence, an employee was attacked with a bat.
“But then threats can be more disguised, like for example: ‘I know where you live.’ So people start to feel unsafe at home, which is of course unacceptable,” said Þóra.
Shame and anger can erupt
Monitoring the welfare of animals is a difficult job, according to Þóra. Animals can be very neglected or poorly cared for and difficult to look after.
“But when we add attacks or threats to staff who are just trying to do their job, this becomes unacceptable,” said Þóra.
The agency’s employees would be more aware of threats from pet owners than livestock owners, as the animals are usually emotionally closer to them. There would now be more photos of staff and attacks, especially on social media, than before.
“Of course, we know that it can be emotionally difficult for some animal owners when it is discovered that the animal husbandry may not be in order and animals are neglected or even mistreated. It can be shame or anger or fear or a combination that sometimes can break out in this way,” said the chief veterinarian.
Take advantage of the fact that they cannot answer for themselves
MAST staff find it difficult to keep their heads up as they are bound by a duty of confidentiality regarding personal matters. Thus, it cannot respond to misrepresentations about its work.
“People take advantage of it. They either publish limited, misleading or downright wrong information,” said Þóra.
Threats and physical attacks against MAST staff are reported. Þóra said that the organization also cooperates well with the police on the team when it is necessary to step into difficult situations that could threaten the safety of the staff.
