Reporting violations of animal welfare laws or regulation on the protection of animals at the time of killing

Veterinary inspectors who notice irregularities in connection with slaughtering that lead them to suspect that animal welfare laws or Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing have been violated, should report their findings to us. Potential signs to look out for include, for example, slaughter animals that appear dirty, scrawny or sickly or that are otherwise suspicious-looking.

Animal welfare notices can be submitted by email to the registry of the competent Regional State Administrative Agency. A link to the contact information of Regional State Administrative Agencies’ registries is provided at the bottom of this page. The Finnish Food Safety Authority has prepared a reporting template, but an informal notice also suffices.

We review the findings and ask a local authority veterinary officer to make an assessment of the situation. If necessary, we can also conduct an animal welfare inspection. Any expenses incurred by the local authority in question are reimbursed by the state.