Graphic footage reveals widespread mistreatment of husky sled dogs in Finnish tourism industry

Disturbing images and videos obtained by the Finnish Animal Protection Association SEY expose systemic abuse of sled dogs in northern Finland’s tourism sector, Yle reports. The footage shows emaciated, injured, and freezing dogs chained for prolonged periods, with some unable to walk or left untreated for severe wounds.

SEY has received evidence from dozens of husky farms, suggesting the problem extends far beyond isolated cases. In the most extreme instances, workers reported dogs facing outright violence. Pi Mäkilä, a communications specialist at SEY, described the influx of tips from former employees and customers as a “cry for help,” with many claiming their attempts to seek intervention were ignored or dismissed.

The material includes images of dogs with untreated, bleeding injuries, some collapsed or dragging themselves, as well as visibly starving animals. Workers allegedly faced prohibitions on taking dogs to veterinarians. Additional footage shows dogs kept on short chains without water during off-season months, their thin coats offering little protection against the cold.

Lapland police confirmed they are investigating “a few” cases linked to sled dog operations, though the probes are complex. “The number of cases isn’t high, but individual investigations can be extensive and labor-intensive,” said Detective Chief Inspector Pälvi Suokas. Authorities are examining not only animal welfare violations but also potential labor abuses, including the conditions of foreign workers.

SEY is demanding stricter regulations, including mandatory licensing for husky farms—a sector currently open to anyone, regardless of expertise. The association proposes laws to cap daily working hours for the dogs, ensure their suitability for sled-pulling, and improve living conditions. Some farms reportedly force untrained dogs into harnesses for tourist rides, with videos showing animals refusing or struggling to pull.

The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) acknowledged the challenge of holding operators accountable, as some relocate across borders to evade scrutiny. “We’ve seen cases where problematic businesses quickly leave the country when faced with oversight, only to reopen elsewhere,” said state veterinarian Aino-Maija Palosaari. The agency plans to bolster international cooperation to track such cases.

SEY has published guidelines to help tourists identify ethical operators, noting that responsible farms can be difficult to distinguish without transparency. The association warns that current self-regulation has failed to prevent widespread suffering in an industry driven by high demand for Arctic experiences.