Finnish police investigate severe animal welfare crime after dozens of dogs found in cruel conditions

Prosecutors in southwestern Finland are reviewing charges in a severe animal welfare case after nearly 50 dogs were found living in “exceptionally cruel and merciless” conditions in Merikarvia, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The two-year police investigation, now concluded, alleges two individuals neglected the dogs’ care and living conditions, causing unnecessary suffering. Officers removed all 46 dogs from the property; two were later euthanised due to their condition.

According to investigators, the dogs were confined in small transport crates amid their own waste. “Assessing the case as a whole, the suspected crime is particularly brutal and pitiless,” said Detective Chief Inspector Aleksi Sulkko in a statement.

Police suspect the accused had operated a breeding business since 2019, producing dozens of litters. The case, described as involving an unusually high number of mistreated animals, will now proceed to prosecution review.