In Switzerland, the animal protection law regulates the conditions of detention and the way of taking care of animals, the forbidden practices, the conditions of breeding, the conditions of transport, the coverage and the care to provide, the conditions of experiments on animals and conditions of killing and slaughter. It applies to all vertebrates, and to the other animals under certain conditions.
This law stipulates in the article 4 that
« 1- Every person who takes care of animals owes : a) to take into account at best their needs ; b) to watch their well-being as far as the purpose of their use allows it ;
2- Nobody should in a inequitable way cause pains to animals, troubles or damage, put them in a state of anxiety or strike a blow at their dignity in a different way. It is forbidden to mistreat animals, to neglect them or to overwork them pointlessly.
3- The federal Council forbids the other practices on animals which strike a blow at their dignity.”
So, what to do if you witness abuse to an animal ?
- If possible, take photos or make a video.
- Note carefully the place, the date, and the hour of your observation.
- Indicate the case to the Animal Protection Society of your area or to the cantonal veterinarian in writing if possible. Mention your name, your address, and your phone number. Be factual and describe exactly the facts the witness of which you were without forgetting the following information : what species ? how many animals ? what place (house, pasture, stable, …)? who is the owner (if known) ? are there other witnesses ? If yes, names and addresses of these.
All which can look like an abuse or a carelessness doesn’t establish necessarily a breach of the animal protection legislation. According to cantons, the APS or the cantonal veterinarian will control to estimate the situation and verify that the noticed abuse is really a breach of the legislation.
Have you already witnessed abuse to an animal ? If yes, what did you do ?
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