Veterinarians report widespread neglect in Finnish sled dog kennels

An investigation by Finnish public broadcaster Yle reveals severe welfare issues in sled dog kennels across Lapland, with veterinarians documenting cases of malnourished dogs, inadequate shelter, and untreated injuries. Nearly all inspected kennels in northernmost Finland show deficiencies, officials say.

Eva Anunti, a supervisory veterinarian for Inari and Utsjoki, found problems in roughly 75% of the kennels she inspected last year. Common violations include chains that are too short, dogs that are underweight, and kennels in poor condition. Some dogs lack proper insulation for extreme cold, while others suffer from untreated dental issues or injuries from fights.

“Many dogs are unsuited for outdoor living due to thin fur, yet safaris continue even in -40°C temperatures,” Anunti said. She added that shade is often insufficient in summer, and older dogs are kept without proper care.

Similar issues were reported by Pälvi Palojärvi, a veterinarian overseeing Rovaniemi, Ranua, Ylitornio, Pello, and Kolari. She noted broken kennels, missing bedding, and illegal dewclaw removal from puppies—a practice strictly prohibited. About half of her inspections uncover violations, though formal enforcement remains rare.

Anni Takala, covering Sodankylä, Kittilä, Muonio, and Enontekiö, said six of 35 sled dog kennels in her area received administrative orders last year for welfare violations. While some operators struggle to comply with regulations, media attention has pushed others to improve conditions.

Veterinarians agree that problems worsen during peak tourist season, with overworked dogs and delayed care. Anunti stressed that ignorance—not malice—often drives neglect, as anyone can operate a kennel with minimal oversight. Foreign tourists, she warned, cannot easily assess a kennel’s quality.

The findings follow police announcing a criminal investigation into a sled dog business earlier this week.