Animal welfare
Introduction
The purpose of the Animal Welfare Act and Decree is to protect animals from suffering, pain and distress, and to promote the welfare and good treatment of animals. The welfare of the animals in Vantaa is primarily monitored by the veterinary enforcement officers.
Animal welfare inspections
Animal welfare inspections are carried out is there is a reason to suspect that the Animal Welfare Act has been violated. In addition, regular animal welfare inspections are carried out on sites with professional or large-scale operations.
The police as an animal welfare authority
Outside the office hours, urgent animal welfare cases are always reported directly to the police by calling the emergency number 112. Even during weekdays, some of the animal welfare matters are primarily handled by the police. Such matters include animal abuse, leaving an animal in a hot car or a dog's attack on other animals or people.
Not all concerns are animal welfare issues
Numerous reports are made to the authorities about the disturbing barking of dogs. However, the noise nuisance caused by dog barking is not a valid reason for an animal welfare inspection.
Always contact the dog owner first and discuss the issue with them. The owner might not even know about the dog's barking while they are away. If discussing with the dog owner doesn’t help, and the dog barking nuisance continues, contact the building manager or police.
Links
More information
Mari Lassila
Best available by phone on weekdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Maija Neuvonen
Best available by phone on weekdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.