In the News

Lawyers for Pets Rejected

Swiss voters overwhelmingly voted to kill a referendum that would have allowed for the appointment of special lawyers to act on behalf of animals in abuse cases. Voters sent a clear message that they believe existing laws are sufficient; a position animal right activist reject claiming the country’s complex animal welfare laws are not being enforced.

Switzerland’s current regulations regarding animal care are among the strictest rules anywhere in the world. The 160-page animal protection law is very precise and explicit in establishing for the specific care of a variety of animals. For example, owners of a Mongolian gerbil must provide 233 square inches of living space, and African clawed frog owners much maintain water temperature of 18-22 degrees Celsius for their pets.

While the laws do allow for the prosecution and implementation of strong penalties for animal cruelty, some recent cases appear to test Swiss sensibility. One recent high profile case involved a dead pike who was represented by legal counsel after an animal protection group accused an angler of animal cruelty. The group claimed the angler took too long (10 minutes) to haul the fish in after being caught. The angler was found not guilty.