A Scottish salmon farming company has responded to allegations of poor animal welfare by dismissing the accusations as a “campaign of harassment” targeting its operations.
Allegations of mistreatment at Sutherland site
Animal rights groups Scottish Salmon Watch and Abolish Salmon Farming visited a Loch Duart facility in Loch A Chairn Bhain, near Kylesku, in Sutherland on 20 June. The organizations filmed the area and documented what they described as a “welfare nightmare.”
According to the footage, the groups observed dead and diseased fish, as well as birds. They also captured images of salmon with physical deformities, including fish described as having “zombie” appearances and abnormal body curves, as well as a condition known as “popeye.”
Scottish Salmon Watch representative Don Staniford highlighted the severity of the findings in a video captured at the site.
“We’ve got dead birds, dead fish, zombie salmon, ‘s’ shaped salmon, ‘popeye’ salmon. This is an absolute welfare nightmare,” Staniford said.
The group subsequently filed a welfare and disease complaint with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Scottish government’s Fish Health Inspectorate.
Company denies claims, cites healthy population
Loch Duart, which operates as a small-scale producer, rejected the claims made in the video. The business asserts the footage was “selectively curated” to show only a small number of affected fish rather than the overall state of the population.
While the company acknowledges that a small number of fish may become ill, it maintains this is a biological reality for any animal population, similar to human health. The business argues the footage is not representative of the healthy fish currently on site.
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Loch Duart characterized the incident as part of a broader effort to disrupt its business. The company stated the actions are carried out by “career animal activists” who are targeting the firm, its employees, and its customers.
According to a statement released to The Grocer, the company expressed concern over actions that cross into unlawful trespass and create biosecurity risks. Loch Duart also noted that its staff and customers are being targeted through the publication of personal social media accounts containing “offensive and unfounded accusations.”
The Scottish government and APHA were contacted for further comment on the matter.
Loch Duart operates a distinct management style focused on low-stress rearing practices. The firm has historically cultivated a reputation for producing high-quality salmon by utilizing methods that prioritize the well-being of the stock.
This approach has allowed the producer to differentiate itself in a crowded market. The outlet noted that the company’s success is often linked to its refusal to intensify production in ways that compromise animal health.
Recent industry reports suggest a growing demand for sustainably sourced seafood. As consumers become more aware of farming practices, producers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate high standards of care.
