If you suspect animal abuse or are aware of serious deficiencies in animal husbandry, you are obligated to report this.
Even if you contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority by telephone, you must send a written notification via their website: mattilsynet.no/varsle
It is possible to submit an anonymous report of concern, but it is easier for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to follow up on the matter if they can contact you.
It is important to provide the Norwegian Food Safety Authority with as complete and accurate a description of the situation as possible. If you have the opportunity, you should attach evidence in the form of pictures and/or video.
If there are several witnesses to the incident, all should submit a report of concern and attach their own evidence.
You can read more about reporting on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s website.
Duty to assist (§ 4 of the Animal Welfare Act)
Anyone who encounters an animal that is obviously sick, injured, or helpless shall assist the animal as far as possible. If the animal is a farm animal or big game, and it is not possible to provide sufficient assistance, the owner or the police shall be notified immediately.
If it is obvious that the animal cannot live or recover, the person who encounters the animal may euthanize it immediately. Farm animals and big game shall not be euthanized pursuant to this provision if it is possible to contact the owner, veterinarian, or police within a reasonable time.
Necessary expenses for measures pursuant to this provision shall be paid by the state, but expenses related to measures towards farm animals may be claimed back from the animal keeper or the owner.
Duty to notify (§ 5 of the Animal Welfare Act)
Anyone who has reason to believe that animals are being subjected to mistreatment or serious deficiencies regarding the environment, supervision, and care shall notify the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or the police as soon as possible. The duty to notify applies with the limitations that follow from other legislation.
Anyone who becomes aware that a large number of wild or feral animals are exposed to disease, injury, or other abnormal suffering shall notify the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or the police as soon as possible.