Kalajoki | Children Harass Farm Animals: Chickens Stoned, Sleeping Ducks Poked with Sticks

The Hulivili domestic animal farm in Kalajoki, Finland, is facing a disturbing wave of animal harassment, primarily perpetrated by children. Owner Minna Kekolahti describes the situation as "this summer's thing," noting a significant increase in incidents compared to previous years.

Staff at the farm, which houses 15 different animal species including chickens, ducks, horses, and alpacas, have had to intervene almost daily. Kekolahti recounted instances where chickens were pelted with stones and grass balls, a horse was hit with a carrot while resting, and sleeping ducks were poked with sticks. Farm cats and pigs have also been disturbed by having their tails pulled.

“

Chickens have been stoned in their own cages, and a horse was thrown a carrot when it tried to rest in a secluded spot.

Kekolahti, who has managed the farm for eight years, expressed dismay at the escalating behavior, questioning the societal decline in respect for both people and animals. She believes that children are often allowed to act with impunity, leading to animals becoming fearful and distrustful of humans. Previously, animals at Hulivili would approach visitors, but now they are wary.

“

It feels like children are allowed to do almost anything they want, and no one intervenes. Respect for other people and animals has disappeared.

While the farm attracts hundreds of visitors daily, especially families during the summer, Kekolahti clarified that the perpetrators are Finnish children. She attributes the problem to poor parenting and parental neglect, suggesting that excessive social media use leaves parents with insufficient time for proper child-rearing. Kekolahti noted that parents are often engrossed in their phones, failing to supervise their children or address their rude behavior and language.

To combat the issue, one of the farm's four employees constantly monitors visitor conduct. Kekolahti finds the situation unsustainable and is considering hiring additional staff for the next summer. She hopes parents will take responsibility for their children's actions, emphasizing that the farm is a space where visitors are guests in the animals' environment. Failure to address the problem may lead to the farm eventually closing its gates.

“

I suspect social media takes up all the parents' time so that children are no longer raised as they used to be.