A woman in Finland was tried for animal cruelty due to her dog's obesity. The court found that the owner made mistakes in care but acted without intent.
According to Yle, the Oulu District Court examined the case of a resident of Northern Ostrobothnia. The investigation was prompted by the severe obesity of her Labrador retriever. The dog weighed 46 kg, and after six months, its weight increased to 50 kg. The animal struggled to move and limped, especially on its hind legs. Veterinarians recommended pain relief and a special diet, noting that otherwise, euthanasia might be necessary.
The prosecution insisted that the owner deprived the dog of necessary care, acting either intentionally or with gross negligence. The woman claimed that she purchased dietary food and medications but emphasized that the animal was elderly, and weight loss proved extremely difficult for it.
Ultimately, the court acknowledged that the owner had made omissions, as the dog's weight had not decreased over the year. However, there was no intent in her actions, as she consulted with a veterinarian and treated her pet.
In the court's opinion, for older dogs with arthritis or other diseases, losing weight solely by reducing their diet can be challenging. Therefore, the charge of cruelty was dismissed. The verdict has not yet come into force and may be appealed.
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