Woman sentenced for animal welfare violations in Northern Savo, Finland

A court in Northern Savo has sentenced a woman from Lapinlahti to five months of suspended imprisonment for severe animal welfare offenses. Additionally, she has been banned from owning animals for five years. The court found that the woman had treated her horses, cat, chickens, sheep, and cattle with cruelty, causing unnecessary suffering, pain, or distress. The ruling indicated that the animals experienced prolonged suffering, rendering the acts exceptionally egregious.

Between 2018 and 2022, the farm was subject to eight inspections by supervisory veterinarians, during which numerous violations were identified, resulting in recommendations for corrective measures. Deficiencies were noted in the care of nearly all categories of animals on the farm. The horses lacked adequate shelter and dry, clean resting areas. The bedding for calves was insufficiently dry, and the cleanliness of the cattle’s living spaces was neglected. Chickens were missing perches and nesting boxes and lacked a warm place for protection against the cold.

During winter, the water buckets for sheep, horses, calves, and chickens were frozen. Both cattle and sheep were not receiving sufficient food. The cattle and horses had consumed bedding materials instead of proper feed. In 2020, a deceased lamb approximately 2.5 months old was found on the farm, likely having succumbed to starvation.

An outsider reported a poorly conditioned cat to a veterinarian, who was forced to euthanize the emaciated animal suffering from frostbite on its ears and snout. The court noted that the animal welfare oversight process had extended over several years, reflecting the accused’s blatant disregard for legal regulations and animal welfare. The ruling is not yet final.