Chair of Sámi reindeer herding association raises concerns over police expertise in reindeer theft investigations

The chair of the Sámi Reindeer Herding Associations (Saamelaispaliskunnat ry) has expressed concern over police expertise and resources in investigating reindeer thefts, as multiple cases have emerged in northern reindeer herding areas in recent years, Yle reports.

Tiina Sanila, chair of the association, stressed that authorities must have sufficient expertise to handle crimes related to reindeer herding, which she described as a “multifaceted phenomenon affecting herding communities in many ways.” The association condemns criminal activity but does not comment on individual cases.

A major reindeer theft case is currently being heard in the Rovaniemi District Court, while the National Bureau of Investigation is examining another extensive case. Separate convictions for fraud related to predator compensation have also been issued in Inari and Enontekiö.

Sanila warned that trust in the justice system is at risk if police lack the necessary resources. “There is a perception among Sámi herding districts that expertise and resources for investigating reindeer thefts declined after the abolition of the police position specialising in reindeer herding,” she said. She noted cases where reports to police yielded no action.

Lapland Police have observed a drop in the threshold for reporting such crimes, with Detective Chief Inspector Päivi Suokas telling Yle that reindeer thefts can be solved if police receive timely, accurate information.

Sanila linked the thefts to broader challenges in reindeer herding, including climate change, competing land use, and increased predator losses, which strain herders’ livelihoods. She called for stronger economic safeguards to prevent desperate actions and urged adding animal welfare offences to relevant crime classifications.

She also highlighted cases of animal cruelty, including deliberate vehicle collisions and shootings of reindeer left to suffer—phenomena seen in both Finland and Sweden. “Unnecessary suffering inflicted on reindeer violates not only the law but also our association’s values,” she said.