Back in 2001 five animal rights extremists in Finland were arrested and held for several weeks on suspicion of involvement in a number of raids on fur farms in that county. In August the Finnish government finally got around to deciding to prosecute three of the individuals while dropping all charges against the remaining two.
Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported that the three would be charged with “aggravated damage to property and aggravated disturbance of the peace.” One of the animal activists is also, ironically, charged with an animal welfare violation resulting from using a dye on several foxes to discolor their fur in order to render them worthless on the market.
The long delay and failure to pursue charges has angered fur farmers and others in Finland who complain that the government is too lenient against animal rights extremism.
Source:
Suspected fur farm raiders rarely face trial. Helsingin Sanomat, August 21, 2003.