We focus on livestock farming (Nutztierhaltung). A farm animal is an animal that is used economically by humans because of certain abilities or for aesthetic reasons.
The vision of the World Animal Protection Society is a world in which animals are perceived by people and treated with respect and in an animal-friendly manner. Animal welfare begins with people.
Animal welfare refers to all human activities aimed at enabling animals to live a life appropriate to their species without causing suffering, pain, harm and unnecessary impairments. With a few exceptions, the Animal Welfare Act in Switzerland applies to vertebrates (Wirbeltiere) such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals (Säugetiere). [1]
The Animal Welfare Act in Switzerland protects the welfare and dignity of animals. Serious breaches violations of its regulations may result in a ban on keeping, breeding and dealing with animals as a profession.
Since April 1, 2003, animals are no longer legally considered as objects in Switzerland. According to Art. 641a 1 of the ZGB, they are now regarded as sentient and suffering beings. However, they have no actual rights and obligations that are legally enforceable. [2]
Animal protection was anchored in the Swiss Federal Constitution in 1973 (Art. 80 BV). The Animal Welfare Act (TschG) followed in 1978, which came into force with the Animal Welfare Ordinance of 1981 and has since been revised several times. [3]
Ella Zingg and Michelle Weber