The police departments of Eastern Uusimaa and Southwest Finland announced on Friday that they had started preliminary investigations into training methods for guard dogs.
The notification comes after the Finnish Organization for Animal Rights Justice for Animals (Rights for Animals) released video footage captured with hidden cameras that revealed how guard dogs were subjected to violence during exercise, such as kicking, punching and strangulation.
According to the Animal Rights Group, violent methods were used in training organized by the subdivisions of the German Shepherd Dog Association in Southwest Finland and Kotka.
Eastern Uusimaa police suspect that some of the video footage was filmed in its area, and the matter is now being investigated as an animal welfare offense.
Detective inspector Petri Eronen told Yle that the investigation is still in its infancy and potential suspects cannot yet be identified.
"We are now investigating the matter and going through the material handed over to us and also made public." Eronen said, adding that police may provide more information later this week.
Police are demanding restraint in online conversations
In southwestern Finland, the police have urged people to refrain from online discussions related to the content of the videos. According to a statement issued by the police department, innocent people have been accused of involvement.
"The police are calling for peace in the relevant debates and reminding people that intimidation and information sharing by completely unrelated associations, hobby clubs and people can be considered a crime," the department’s statement said.
On Thursday, the German Shepherd Association announced that it was suspending the training of guard dogs and also urged its subunits to refrain from practicing for the time being.
In addition, the departments of Southwest Finland and Kotka have been temporarily suspended.
Source: The Nordic Page