#this being inappropriate is uncontested but the question is 'is it unethical or is it illegal'

[fjordfolk]

there's a court case going rn that might end up defining the line between discipline and abuse in dog training in norway.

it's part of a case where an owner is charged with violence towards an animal + not providing sufficient care, and it's interesting for two reasons:

whether or not financial difficulties are a mitigating factor for not providing sufficient medical care (because the owner couldn't afford it, the dog had a broken tibia for six weeks before being taken in for surgery)

deciding whether this video shows 'rough treatment for training purposes' (per the defense) or if it's violence. it's more the general scope and repetition of this type of treatment rather than the specific actions shown that's up for consideration, but it's pretty clear in terms of where the bar might be set. video under the cut

the owner was found guilty and sentenced to four months in prison and losing the right to animal ownership in district court, and the case is now in appellate court with an expected judgement on feb 1st.

Ps. the dog is rehomed and is doing well.