The Animal Welfare Act and the related government and ministerial decrees set out the minimum standards for the facilities and methods used to keep, handle, treat, house and care for animals.
Finland’s animal welfare authorities visit and inspect places where animals are kept. Some of these visits are determined by perceived risks or reported suspicions that animal welfare legislation is not being fully observed. The authorities annually carry out animal welfare inspections at approximately 2-7% of all Finnish farms, depending on the animal species kept on the farms.
If an infringement is detected, the animal keeper is ordered to correct the problems within a specified time limit. A follow-up visit is then organised to ensure that this order has been respected. The authorities are also empowered to take urgent measures and kill suffering animals on the spot, send them for slaughter, or organise the necessary care and shelter for the animals with costs paid by their owner. Such measures apply to all animals, and not just farm animals.
Ensuring the welfare of farm animals
The Farm Animal Welfare Council appointed by the Government assists the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in animal welfare issues. The Council also encourages public discussion on animal welfare issues and works to enhance cooperation between the authorities and all stakeholders. The Finnish Centre for Animal Welfare provides scientific data and advice to the authorities on animal welfare research and good practices concerning the keeping of animals.
Finland has set up a special Animal Health Care System for cattle and pigs. Participation in this system is voluntary, but since it provides farmers with useful information and support related to ways to improve the health and welfare of their animals, it has been widely welcomed and its uptake among of Finnish farmers is good.