Vandalism targeting pets persists in Kuopio, North Savo

In Kuopio, North Savo, residents have endured serious acts of vandalism targeting dogs for the second consecutive year. The incidents are concentrated around Lumo rental apartments on Kelkkailijantie, which includes a total of 153 units. Ville Kilpi, property manager for Lumo homes, shared in an email that the landlord’s ability to intervene is limited by law.

“We installed surveillance cameras in the building last year and have been reviewing the footage with the police,” Kilpi stated. Lumo has urged residents to report any observations that could help identify the perpetrator. Kilpi noted that if the offender is caught and sufficient evidence is gathered, the lease could be terminated.

The troubling activities began in the spring of 2023 when residents began discovering suspicious food items outside the building. The situation escalated in August 2023 when a 10-year-old dog named Sura swallowed meatballs containing four sewing needles. The dog underwent extensive surgery costing thousands of euros but survived the incident. Since then, similar dangerous items have repeatedly appeared in the building’s hallways.

In some instances, chocolate and xylitol—substances extremely toxic to dogs—were pushed through residents’ mail slots. The most recent questionable meatballs were found in Puijonlaakso, but later tests confirmed they contained no harmful materials. Several residents have filed police reports, and investigations are ongoing.

The police suspect that the acts are committed by someone with inside access to the building. They are treating the case as an animal welfare offense, which can carry fines and imprisonment of up to two years. Authorities recognize that the distribution of harmful food could also endanger small children, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Kilpi expressed deep concern for residents, especially those with young children and pets.