In Finland, poodles removed due to improper care are finding new homes
In Finland, six-year-old toy poodle Papu, who was taken into the care of the Päijät-Häme Animal Protection Association in June, has officially received a new home in the Pennala district of the city of Orimattila. The dog was one of more than 20 poodles transferred into the organization’s care. Some of the animals were in poor condition and could barely walk because of severely matted fur, YLE News reports.
Papu lived with Tiina and Timo Vaittinen’s family for several months as part of a trial placement, after which the owners signed adoption papers. According to Timo Vaittinen, the dog quickly adapted to its new home and is lively and cheerful. The family also has a 16-year-old poodle-pumi crossbreed.
Requirements for prospective owners
Animal welfare organizations note that the adoption procedure may seem overly demanding, but its purpose is to find a permanent home for the animal. The process usually involves visits to candidates’ homes and detailed interviews. In Papu’s case, it was more flexible because the new family knew one of the organization’s volunteers.
Before an adoption, the organization determines the candidate’s experience in caring for dogs, living conditions, and whether there are children and other animals. It also checks whether the home meets the needs of the specific breed, whether the applicant can financially cover food, vaccinations, and veterinary care, and whether there is a support network and places where the dog can be cared for if necessary.
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The number of removed dogs has increased
Over the past two to three years, the number of dogs removed in Finland has doubled. Last year, about 700 dogs were received by SEY member organizations, with approximately half of them removed under decisions by authorities.
As of early September, the Päijät-Häme Animal Protection Association had taken in 86 dogs seeking new homes, with six still waiting for owners. The Helsinki Animal Protection Association, HESY, took in 58 dogs, including 50 removed or confiscated by authorities and eight found dogs; four dogs were still looking for homes.
More than 400 applications were submitted for the poodles, and almost all of the animals were already living with families on trial placements. Papu had 18 teeth removed, while some of the other poodles are still undergoing dental treatment.
