The following informations we got from wikipedia and several online websites and from the interviews.
Husbandry and production
Animal-friendly husbandry and care of farm animals form the basis for a good animal health. It is the basis for efficient agriculture and the production of safe food for us humans. Livestock farming is the first link in the production chain of animal food. A central task of all farmers is to maintain the health of their animals and to prevent diseases. [1]
Livestock facilities
Livestock facilities are periodically checked for animal welfare regulations. With animal-friendly barn equipment you avoid damage and illnesses and promote the well-being of the animals. Therefore, the Animal Welfare Act stipulates that mass-produced barn equipment and housing systems require offical approval. [1]
Factory farming initiative (Massentierhaltungsinitative)
On 25.09.2022 the Swiss voters voted on the factory farming initiative (Massentierhaltungsinitiative). The initiative was rejected with 63 percent. The initative wanted to include the protection of the dignity of farm animals such as chickens or pigs in the constitution. It also wanted to ban factory farming. [2]
Transport
A maximum time of 8 hours is permitted for livestock transports within Switzerland. The travel time from the loading area is under 6 hours. Animals may only be transported if it can be expected that they will survive the transport without damage. The driving style must protect the animals. [3]
Slaughtering and killing of animals
If the treatment of sick or injured animals is futile or only possible with great pain, they should be killed to limit the suffering. The chosen method of killing must also lead to the certain death of the animal. [4]
Hunger for meat
"Meat is the Swiss' favorite vegetable." (Fleisch ist des Schweizers liebstes Gemüse). In 2021, a total of 494'614 tons of slaughtered meat was produced. Pork (Schweinefleisch) accounted for around 230'000 tons, beef (Rindfleisch) almost 120'000 tons and poultry (Geflügelfleisch) a good 112'000 tons. Meat production costs 2.9 billion Swiss francs. The annual meat consumption of a person of the Swiss population is 51.82 kilograms.
The Swiss population's need for meat cannot be covered by home production. We are dependent on importing meat from abroad. [5]