A major Finnish electronics retailer has removed illegal dog training products from its online marketplace following customer reports. The company sold electric shock collars and prong collars through its website, both prohibited under Finnish animal protection laws.
The products remained available for purchase until Sunday when the retailer received notification about their illegal status. Company officials immediately removed the listings from their online platform.
Gigantti's marketing director Sami Särkelä confirmed the removal in an email statement. He said the company launched an internal investigation and corrective measures across the entire corporation.
According to Särkelä, no products were actually sold to customers. Both prohibited items came from the retailer's marketplace partners rather than their core inventory.
The marketing director described the incident as a serious deviation from company policy. He acknowledged their internal monitoring systems failed to prevent the illegal listings.
Finland banned electric shock collars for general use earlier this year, with limited medical exceptions. The prohibition covers sales, marketing, import, manufacturing, possession, and use of these devices. Veterinary experts confirm electric collars cause unnecessary stress and pain to animals.
The Finnish Food Authority has also banned prong collars and other devices that cause unnecessary suffering. Both products removed from the retailer's website fall under these legal restrictions.
Särkelä stated that electric shock collars are prohibited in all countries where Gigantti operates. The company has contacted its marketplace partner and initiated product listing reviews.
The electric collar came from INF, Gigantti's Swedish cooperation partner. The product description emphasized the collar's effectiveness for training purposes and bark reduction. It claimed the device could create a calmer environment for both owners and neighbors.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in regulating third-party marketplace sellers. Even established retailers struggle to monitor all products offered through partner networks. The case demonstrates how prohibited items can slip through automated filtering systems.
Animal welfare organizations have long campaigned against cruel training devices. Finland's comprehensive ban reflects growing public concern about animal treatment. The law represents one of Europe's strictest regulations regarding dog training equipment.
The retailer now faces scrutiny from both consumers and regulatory authorities. Company officials promise to strengthen their monitoring processes. They plan to implement proactive measures preventing similar incidents in the future.
Marketplace partnerships have become increasingly common in Nordic retail. These arrangements allow companies to expand product offerings without maintaining additional inventory. However, they also create new regulatory challenges and compliance risks.
Finnish consumers have shown strong support for animal welfare legislation. This case tests whether retailers can properly enforce these laws within complex marketplace structures. The outcome may influence how other Nordic companies manage their third-party seller relationships.
Retail experts note that marketplace models require robust verification systems. Companies must balance expansion opportunities with regulatory compliance. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for retailers operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The company's response will be closely watched by industry observers and animal welfare advocates alike. Effective corrective actions could set new standards for marketplace oversight in the Nordic region.