On April 9, cases were documented where pets of refugees who arrived from Ukraine were seized in Finland and subsequently euthanized following interventions by specialized animal welfare services.
Reports indicate that decisions regarding the pets’ fates were made after veterinary inspections and assessments by animal welfare authorities. Ukrainian refugee Olga Treshcheva recounted that in 2024, her 13-year-old Pekingese was euthanized at a clinic in southern Ukraine. According to Treshcheva, initial discussions with doctors centered on treatment options, but the dog’s condition deteriorated significantly, leading to a recommendation for euthanasia after an estimated cost of €300.
