buying a cow (really!)

umqombothi · Post by **umqombothi** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:33 pm

Moi moi (or maybe Moo moo),

This might seem like something of a strange request but I need to purchase a cow in Finland to be delivered to the suburbs of Helsinki. Does anyone have any idea where I can get a cow, the price of a cow in Finland, and where I might find a willing farmer to deliver it?

This is a serious post by the way, in case you were wondering. Looking forward to your suggestions!

**Sponsor:**

EP · Post by EP » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:50 pm

There are many cows in southern Helsinki already. You can walk it home if the university´s farm in Viikki sells you one.

Upphew · Post by **Upphew** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:52 pm

http://www.ayrshire-finland.com/
http://www.faba.fi/index2.asp?sivu=120

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:12 pm

I think Helsinki city might have some objections regarding keeping livestock in an area not zoned for farm use. And then you'd need to do all the EU paperwork as well.

AldenG · Post by **AldenG** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 6:53 pm

There is a small brass-colored (IIRC) nameplate on one of the first buildings at the intersection of Kopernikuksentie and Unioninkatu that says Sianajotoimisto Such-and-Such. It's on your right as you walk down from the observatory. Sorry I can't remember the actual name on the plate but it definitely includes Sianajotoimisto.

Although they apparently herd pigs, they might very well be able to refer you to an office that deals with urban cows. Either that or change their nameplate as a result of your inquiry. If you drop by and ring their doorbell, I'd be curious to hear what they tell you. (And I'd love to get the exact name, which I neglected to write down -- or better yet a photo.)

raamv · Post by **raamv** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:21 pm

umqombothi · Post by **umqombothi** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 4:59 pm

Guys - thanks for the leads. I will have a read through and contact them (unfortunately I am not in Finland at the moment so will have to do it remotely for now). And of course let you know how I'm coming along.

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:33 pm

So let me get this straight - you are not in Finland but you still want a live cow delivered to someone in the suburbs of Helsinki?

What exactly are you trying to achieve?

maxxfi · Post by **maxxfi** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:07 pm

A surprise gift for a Finnish girlfriend who grew up in the countryside?

AldenG · Post by **AldenG** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:10 am

"My father is going to totally have a cow if we get married without telling him first."

Jukka Aho · Post by **Jukka Aho** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:28 am

biscayne · Post by **biscayne** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 6:51 am

Hi,

I'm not accusing you of anything, let me be clear on that, but, IF, this is anykind of religious or ritualistic thing whereby you need the cow for somekind of ritual slaughter etc., you will find that very difficult to achieve in Finland. There are really strict laws about that kind of thing, and the police and courts don't mess around. If you want the cow for some kind of ceremonial gift such as a wedding gift or as part of a ceremony like a wedding, that will also be difficult. You cannot keep a cow in an urban area, unless it is specifically allowed (a university, a registered urban farm, a zoo or other institution) that is on the statute books. If you just need the cow for part of a ceremony, you would have to apply to the local council for permission, outlining why you need the cow, for how long you will have it at the ceremony/gathering etc, transport arrangements etc. If you want to buy a cow and slaughter it for your own meat, because you want good or organic meat etc., you can't do that, as there are regulations.

Hope this is of help.

maxxfi · Post by **maxxfi** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:58 am

BTW, talking about regulations, how much can the concept of 'home pet' bend?
Is there a list of what are allowed species, and everything else is forbidden (unless special permission),
or is it the reverse?

Ok, it's no cows in town, so probably no pigs as well (at least in strict sense, metaphorically... oh well

)
but how about e.g. those miniature-pigs? Or some other non-wildlife, non-endangered small creatures?

Disclaimer: I'm not seeking to get any of those, just curious about the jurisdiction.

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 9:28 am

Ummm.... I get a hunch its got to do with zoning... like at the cottage I could have a cow as its zoned as "rural"... if I had a cowshed...

Rosamunda · Post by **Rosamunda** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 9:34 am

We spit-roasted a sheep during the summer and when we called the local sheep farm they asked us if we wanted to buy a live one or a dead one. We ended up getting our sheep from Rein Liha because the farm needed 2 weeks notice for slaughtering (and we needed it in 8 days). But they could've delivered it alive and kicking within a couple of days. I'm seriously thinking of having a couple next summer to keep the grass down. Soooooo fed up with cutting the grass at the mökki.
I'm not sure about the restrictions but anyone with a gun licence can shoot and slaughter (and eat) roe deer, (also hare etc) for example. No need to fill in EU forms for that. Elk (cows and bulls) and white-tailed deer require a permit.

Know nothing about cows though.

Anyway, looks like the OP has disappeared. They always do

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