Estonian Authorities Euthanize Neglected Herd of Highland Cattle
Estonia's Agricultural and Food Board (PTA) euthanized a herd of 12 severely emaciated Scottish Highland cattle in Kiili Parish after discovering them wandering unattended near a pasture littered with carcasses, citing prolonged neglect and the owner's failure to comply with regulations.
- —Estonian authorities, specifically the Agricultural and Food Board (PTA), intervened in October after receiving a report about cattle found wandering unattended and in poor health in Kiili Parish.
- —An investigation revealed multiple violations of animal welfare regulations, including the animals' severely emaciated condition, inadequate marking, unsuitable living conditions, and the presence of deceased animals on the pasture.
- —Despite attempts to contact the owner, communication was unsuccessful, leading the PTA to assume responsibility for the animals' care.
- —The neglected cattle, identified as 12 Scottish Highland cattle including five calves, were found to be in extremely poor physical condition, indicating prolonged neglect.
- —Due to the owner's failure to comply with identification and traceability requirements and to fulfill PTA's directives, the animals were ultimately euthanized.
Recap
This incident reveals a significant failure in animal husbandry and the subsequent, difficult enforcement actions required by regulators. The euthanasia of the herd was not an isolated act but the culmination of prolonged owner negligence and non-compliance. The owner's legal challenge and concurrent legislative efforts to clarify procedures for handling seized animals indicate the system is now grappling with the procedural and legal gaps exposed by this case of severe neglect.