Suomi | Svenska | English
Selkokieli | Lättläst språk
Viittomakieli | Teckenspråk
Suomi | Svenska | English | Pусский | Deutsch | 日本語
Suomi | Svenska | English | Eesti keel | Français | Pусский | Soomaali | Türkçe | Español | بالعربية | 中文 | فارسی
What should you do if you see an animal in distress? Not all animals need help from humans, but you should contact the authorities in some cases.
Call the emergency number 112, if public safety is at risk. Seeing an elk walking on the road or a horse that has fallen into a ditch are examples of such situations. It is quite normal to have wild animals moving about in suburban areas, so you should not be alarmed if you see an animal.
Below you will find more detailed instructions on what to do in situations where an animal might need help.
Call the animal rescue number +358 (0)9 310 30151 in the following events:
You do not need to contact anyone in the following situations:
Mammals include hares, hedgehogs, foxes and deer. Call the animal rescue number +358 (0)9 310 30151 in the following events:
If you see elk, deer or large predators in the inner city of Helsinki or in busy roads, call the police by dialling the public emergency number 112.
You do not need to contact anyone if you see the following:
Call the animal rescue number +358 (0)9 310 30151 in the following events:
Call the emergency number 112, if wasps or bees are swarming indoors and they pose a clear threat to humans. If these or other insects are found inside the building’s structures, contact your building manager or a pest control company directly.
If you suspect or witness cases where you feel that animals are being treated badly, contact the City of Helsinki animal protection veterinarian or the police during office hours. Helsinki Police Department has a designated investigative group for animal welfare offences. You can file the notification at the Helsinki Police Department in person or via e-mail to elainsuojelurikokset.helsinki@poliisi.fi. In the event of an emergency, call 112.
Further information:
Viikin löytöeläintalo animal shelter
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital in
Viikki
Animal pages of the City of Helsinki
Environment Centre
Korkeasaari Zoo hospital for wild animals
The
Finnish Environment Institute
The
Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (permits to carry out roof renovations during the nesting season, for example)
Finnish
Food Authority (formerly the Finnish Food Safety Authority) (bird flu, etc.)