Teemu Selänne received strong criticism regarding violence against animals - a tough response from the legend

Teemu Selänne‘s video shared on Instagram has received harsh criticism. The video features protection dog training, which the animal rights organization Oikeutta eläimille condemns.

– Last year, we brought to light the violence against dogs that occurs during protection dog training. It’s unfortunate to see that Teemu Selänne is promoting such activities on Instagram. In the story, an incompetent decoy falls on the dog and the dog is being choked. The dog is wearing an electric collar, Oikeutta eläimille writes on Twitter along with screenshots.

Selänne responded to the accusations by providing context behind the video.

– Just so you know, this dog demonstration you are talking about is from my and my friend’s charity golf tournament, where the funds go to the post-career lives of military and police dogs. We started four years ago when we heard that about 60-100 dogs are coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq, and if they don’t find a new home within three months, they are sentenced to be euthanized. Horrified, we began to think about how we could help these heroes so they could have a worthy life in retirement, Selänne explains.

– In four years, we have raised about $700,000 to save these heroes. Many of these dogs have already found new homes, but those who do not find one or cannot adjust to family life will live out their lives in great conditions. Mike Rietland, an old Navy Seal from the USA living in Texas, promised to take all the dogs that do not find a new home to his farm, where these dogs will have a home for the rest of their lives, as long as all expenses are covered. The idea that you are trying to say that I promote violent handling of dogs is completely false information.

You can watch the images from the video below.