Horse Entrepreneur in Kontiolahti Suffers Major Hay Harvest Destruction in Suspected Vandalism
A horse entrepreneur in Kontiolahti has reported extensive damage to her hay harvest, with police investigating the incident as suspected criminal damage. Saga Pouta, a national-level western rider who runs a small stable business in Iiksenniitty, discovered on Monday morning that over 120 of her approximately 140 dry hay bales had been systematically destroyed.
Pouta initially suspected bears had caused the damage, but upon closer inspection, she found that the bales had been slit open with a bladed weapon. Yle reports that the perpetrator appeared to know how to maximise the destruction, cutting plastic from the tops and tearing open the sides to prevent rewrapping. The hay was spread out, rendering most of it unusable.
Significant Financial and Emotional Impact
The destruction represents a major financial loss for Pouta and her husband, who cultivate their own hay for their horses. Iltalehti reports that the value of one dry hay bale is around 100 euros, with the total damage estimated at up to 12,000 euros. Additional costs include fuel, bale plastics, and netting, as well as the time and effort already invested in the harvest.
Pouta described the incident as her "worst nightmare" and expressed disbelief at the apparent intent to harm her animals. "The first feeling was nausea. What upsets me the most is that someone wants to cause harm through the animals. I wonder how much hatred a person must have to do something like this," she told Iltalehti. She added that nothing similar had occurred before on their farm or in the surrounding area.
The Eastern Finland Police have confirmed that a crime report has been filed and are investigating the case as criminal damage, which involves intentionally damaging another person’s property. Iltalehti notes that the charge may be adjusted as the preliminary investigation progresses.
Pouta has urged anyone with information or observations related to the incident to contact the police. Despite the setback, she remains determined to move forward. "Things tend to work out. We’ll get through this somehow," she said. She is also clarifying whether her insurance will cover damages caused by vandalism.
