Environmental protection

The goal of environmental protection is to ensure a healthy and pleasant environment for residents while preserving the diversity of nature. A good and healthy living environment is a right for all residents, and the municipality should, in turn, ensure this right is upheld.

The primary tasks of environmental protection are administrative duties based on the environmental protection permit and monitoring systems. The activities also include general tasks involving planning, monitoring the state of the environment, and preventive measures.

The environmental inspector manages environmental matters in the municipality.

Stray animals

A stray dog, cat, or other comparable small pet or hobby animal that has been taken into custody may be handed over to a municipal animal shelter for temporary care. The shelter must keep the animal for at least 15 days. After that period, the shelter has the right to sell, transfer, or euthanize the animal.

In Vörå, stray animals such as cats and dogs can be taken to Koiratarha Kulkuri (Kvarngatan 1 in Vasa, tel. 040 834 2222). Handing over stray animals is free of charge.

According to the Animal Welfare Act (693/2023), Section 26, the municipality must annually compile and publish statistics on stray animals taken into care.

Statistics for the year 2025:

	Number
Dogs	1
Cats	8
Others	0

Tips and Advice for Cat Owners

Health and Veterinary Care for Both Outdoor and Indoor Cats

Neutering/Spaying

If you have an outdoor cat, it should be neutered or spayed. This reduces the risk of unwanted kittens and uncontrolled breeding, fights, diseases, and your cat roaming too far from home. If you have many indoor cats, they should also be neutered/spayed unless you can keep males and females separated to avoid uncontrolled breeding. If you are involved in controlled breeding of indoor cats, then these do not need to be neutered/spayed.

Vaccinations

Basic vaccinations (feline distemper, feline respiratory disease) are very important for outdoor cats.

Deworming and Ticks

Outdoor cats need regular deworming. Ticks are common from spring through fall—use tick treatments designed for cats.

Weather and Seasons

Winter

Cold, ice, and snow increase the risk of frostbite and traffic accidents. Many people choose to keep their cats indoors during winter.

Protection & Routines

Make sure your cat can always get inside, or bring it indoors at night.

Nature and Surroundings

Hunting Small Animals

Cats affect birds and small animals. For example, a bell can decrease their hunting success.

Neighbors

Make sure your cat does not cause problems (sandboxes, flowerbeds). It’s important to have a good relationship with your neighbors. Also, do not feed cats that are not your own.

If you notice wild cats around your property, report this to the supervising veterinarian. You can do this via this page, where you will also find contact information for the supervising veterinarian.

Vörå Municipality's Sustainability Award

The Municipality of Vörå wants to highlight its work for sustainable development by awarding a sustainability prize.

The prize can be awarded to individuals, associations, organizations, or businesses actively engaged in sustainability and environmental issues. Nominations for the sustainability prize are accepted from the public for a certain period, after which the Building and Environmental Committee selects a winner.

Criteria for the sustainability prize:

The nominee must be a resident of Vörå Municipality
Justifications should highlight the person’s/organization’s/association’s/company’s efforts for sustainability and the environment

Electronic nomination form