Kristi Metsa, Estonian Animal Protection League
On August 28, I submitted a detailed information request to the Agricultural and Food Board (PTA) regarding the gassing of pigs (read: animal abuse). The request was classified as an explanatory application, and the reply deadline was set at 15 days.
Today was supposed to be the day when I finally received answers. Instead, I received another delay — this time for a full month!
My questions were very specific and related to animal welfare and the competence of those carrying out mass killings. These are issues for which the authority should already have clear documentation readily available. They cannot possibly be produced retroactively.
By now, more than 50,000 pigs have been mass-killed, most likely by people without any relevant qualifications, training, licenses, or skills.
If this is not illegal, then what is it?
Anarchy, arbitrariness, brutality, negligence, arrogance, bureaucracy? I could add many more words, but right now I just want to say: “PTA, shame on you!”
Official Notice of Extended Deadline
The Agricultural and Food Board (hereinafter “the Authority”) received on August 26, 2025, an information request submitted by Kristi Metsa, registered under reference number 1.7-10/104.
Your request is classified as an explanatory application. Such an application requires analysis, synthesis, or additional information gathering, or a legal explanation under the Act on Responding to Petitions and Explanatory Applications.
Due to the extensive spread of African swine fever and its impact on the Authority’s operations, the PTA has, as of August 28, 2025, switched to a heightened state of readiness and declared an emergency under § 2 (1) of the Emergency Act.
The crisis staff decided on September 2, 2025, that the primary focus must be on resolving the emergency. Therefore, the deadline for answering explanatory applications has been extended as permitted under § 6 of the Act on Responding to Petitions — up to two months.
We will therefore respond to you no later than October 17, 2025.
Photo: Õhtuleht
