Two German women charged with severe animal welfare violations after 112 dogs found in poor condition in Finland

Finnish prosecutors have charged a German mother and daughter with aggravated animal welfare offences after more than 100 dogs in severe distress were discovered in their van in Nurmes, eastern Finland, reports national broadcaster Yle.

The 60-year-old woman also faces smuggling charges after Swedish border authorities stopped her in May 2023 attempting to transport 80 dogs into Sweden. Finnish police initially detained three German women at a Nurmes service station on New Year’s Eve 2024, but prosecutors have dropped charges against the third.

The van contained 112 dogs in critical condition—53 were euthanised, one was already dead, and the rest were rehomed. Authorities had earlier seized 43 dogs from the women’s property in Lieksa, with nine euthanised due to poor health. A further six dogs, including a malnourished paralysed adult and a five-month-old puppy, were found later at an unchecked location.

Investigators found the women had neglected their animals—including horses and goats—over several years. While the motive appeared to be enthusiasm for dogs rather than financial gain, prosecutors noted prolonged failure to meet basic care standards. The case will proceed in North Karelia District Court.