Finnish police escort removal of starving cattle from Lahti farm as local politician accuses authorities of theft

Eläinsuojeluviranomaiset officials seized 23 severely underfed young bulls from Koiskala Manor in Lahti on Friday, escorted by police, after determining the animals’ condition posed a serious welfare risk, Yle reports.

The cattle, a traditional Finnish breed known as kyytö, were forcibly loaded onto transport trucks despite protests from the farm’s owner, local centre-party politician Pauliina Palo, who accused authorities of “livestock theft” and called emergency services for assistance—even as police were already on site. Palo and the animals’ previous owner had acquired the bulls after an earlier welfare inspection led to their forced sale, but officials stated the transfer did not nullify the original removal order.

Inspection records show the bulls were visibly emaciated, with poor muscle development and patchy coats, while some of their feed was found to be mouldy. A December welfare check had already classified the animals as starving, with their body condition scores far below expected levels for their age. Authorities acted under Finland’s Animal Welfare Act, which permits the sale or removal of animals if their keeper’s neglect endangers their wellbeing.

The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), which oversees welfare compliance, noted that misconceptions about the dietary needs of native breeds often lead to malnutrition cases. “These animals have the same physiological needs as any cattle—they can’t survive on hay alone,” said unit head Anna-Maria Moisander-Jylhä, emphasising that historical resilience during hardship does not justify inadequate feeding under modern law.

Palo now faces a police investigation for obstructing an official’s duties. The bulls have been relocated to a new holder under welfare supervision.