Borders fence in Scandinavian reindeer

Reindeer herders in northern Sweden are considering releasing their animals over the border to graze in Norway. At issue is a conflict over regulations in the border area which prevent cross-border grazing by reindeer.

The pending move by the native Swedish Saami is expected to spur protests from their counterparts on the Norwegian side of the border.

“We won’t get into fist fights, that’s a bit too primitive,” said Per Gunnar Harnesk.

“But we’re prepared for a number of conflicts and police reports,” Harnesk told the Dagens Nyheter newspaper.

According to the Swedish newspaper, Swedish and Norwegian authorities haven’t managed to agree on how grazing areas along the border should be regulated.

A 1972 amendment to regulations first laid down in 1751 expired on May 1, meaning that the 244-year-old law now applies.

And this law says those reindeer herders who want to let their animals graze on the other side of the border have a right to do so.