Oikeutta eläimille (“Justice for Animals”) is a Finnish animal rights organization dedicated to improving the status and treatment of animals in society. We question the exploitation of animals by humans: the relationship between humans and other animals should be based on reciprocity instead of one-sided pursuit of profit. Animals are sentient and conscious beings who have the right to life and self-determination.

We work towards our goals in several different ways:

• Grassroots activism. We spark discussion as well as educate and bring together new activists – this is how we work at the grassroots level and pressure decision-makers to act on behalf of animals.
• Influencing businesses. We negotiate with companies and provide them with ways to take animals into consideration in their work.
• Bringing the suffering of animals to light. Animal rights are often violated behind closed doors. We bring to light the hidden truths about animal farming.
• Changing attitudes. We promote plant-based eating and work to change attitudes towards animals. We organize the extremely popular Vegan Challenge (Vegaanihaaste) every year.

Founded in 1995, Oikeutta eläimille has several activist groups around Finland. Everyone who supports our goals and practices is welcome to join our work.

The most prominent part of our work is bringing to light the reality of animal farms and slaughterhouses. We also work at a grassroots level, organizing events and protests, speaking at schools and sharing information.

Oikeutta eläimille does not accept discrimination based on gender, race, age, sexual orientation or any other basis. We are independent from political parties and religious institutions.

Bringing to light the hidden truths of animal farming

Oikeutta eläimille has been publishing undercover photos and videos of Finnish animal farming for almost 20 years. The materials are from pig, cow and chicken farms as well as slaughterhouses, fur farms and most recently fish farms. We want to bring to light the full picture of animal farming in Finland.

These materials reveal the brutal reality of animal farming: small cages, filthy enclosures, wounds and illnesses, dead individuals and physical violence against animals. An environment without proper stimuli or the chance to fulfill normal behavioral needs also causes immense psychological suffering. Over the years, our materials have been reported on by many Finnish media outlets and have featured in TV documentaries. The materials have also been picked up by international media.

The materials we have brought to light have raised discussion about the need for legislative change and improved oversight. Witnessing the reality of animal farming has led many to rethink their view of farmed animals and to question the ways in which we treat them. Many have also started to think more critically about their own consumption habits and how these affect animals.

Encouraging people to try plant-based food

Vegaanihaaste (Vegan Challenge) inspires Finnish people to try vegan for a month and beyond. We provide participants with guidance, recipes, practical tips, resources, and inspiration to help them adopt a plant-based diet, making it easier to explore its benefits for health, the environment, and animal welfare. 

The challenge has been organized since 2013 and we have had more than 225,000 participants over the years. Feedback for the challenge has been overwhelmingly positive: 99 % of participants recommend the challenge.

Our values are inclusivity, empowerment, body and food peace, independence and reliability. Participation in the challenge is completely free. We only share information based on scientific research, verified by our team of experts. Our recommendations are free from financial ties.