Finland introduces fines up to €5,000 for unregistered dogs

Finland will impose fines of €300 to €5,000 for failing to register a dog, following a parliamentary decision on Wednesday, state broadcaster Yle reports.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed to news agency STT that the standard penalty for unregistered dogs will start at €300. The measure aims to curb illegal puppy farming and the smuggling of pets into the country.

Currently, only about half of Finland’s estimated 800,000 dogs are properly registered in the national canine database, despite existing legal requirements.