Court dismisses charges against entrepreneur accused of removing dog’s teeth without pain relief

A district court in Finland has dismissed criminal charges against a Helsinki-based entrepreneur accused of removing a dog’s teeth without anaesthesia, ruling that the statute of limitations had expired. The court found the evidence credible but determined the alleged offence was minor.

According to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Pirkanmaa District Court rejected prosecution claims that the 1978-born entrepreneur had illegally practised veterinary medicine and violated animal welfare laws. The charges stemmed from an incident in September 2023, when the entrepreneur allegedly removed two of a dog’s teeth without pain relief in a treatment vehicle parked at a service station in Tampere.

The prosecutor argued that the entrepreneur, who provides preventive dental care for dogs and cats, lacked legal authorisation to perform veterinary procedures. Witnesses, including the dog’s owner, testified that the teeth were extracted without anaesthesia, causing the animal pain. A judge at a dog show the following day also noted missing teeth in the dog’s records.

While the court considered the testimony consistent, it concluded that even if the extraction had occurred, the act would only constitute a minor animal welfare violation, causing the dog brief pain. The dog reportedly remained in good spirits and performed well in a competition the next day.

The charges were dismissed because the two-year statute of limitations had expired before the summons was formally served in October 2025. An earlier decision to extend the limitation period by one year was overturned by Turku Court of Appeal, which ruled that no overriding public interest justified the extension.

The ruling is not yet legally binding. The entrepreneur has indicated dissatisfaction with the outcome.