Animal welfare group takes in 20 neglected toy poodles

A Finnish animal welfare association has taken emergency custody of 20 toy poodles in poor health, with matted fur and faeces caked in their coats, Yle reports.

The Hartola region animal welfare association received an urgent call from an animal welfare inspector last Thursday about 33 dogs needing immediate removal from a location. The group loaded crates into a vehicle and collected 20 of the dogs, while the rest were placed elsewhere.

Association chair Margit Nevala said the dogs had no access to water. All had severe dental tartar, and most suffered from eye, ear, and mouth ailments. Their fur was so matted that it had to be shaved off entirely, with some unable to walk because of it.

The dogs, all under five years old, include a mother with two puppies. Nevala described the case as one of the worst the association has handled, comparable only to a 2014 incident in Nurmes where 112 dogs were found crammed in a van, 53 of which had to be euthanised.

The association has launched a fundraising campaign for the dogs’ medical care, including dental treatment, sterilisation, and microchipping. It has already received adoption inquiries, though Nevala said priority will be given to experienced toy poodle owners.