After a drop in 2017, the number of criminal cases for animal cruelty is on the rise again. In 2018, 1,760 cases were recorded by the Zurich-based Tier im Recht organisationExternal link, compared to 1,704 the previous year.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NGO said the increase in prosecutions showed that criminal law on animal protection were being implemented more effectively. Nevertheless, the foundation believes that “much remains to be done” as “offences are frequently downplayed by the authorities”.
Tier im Recht deplores the fact that the punishments imposed are low compared to what the law provides. The average fine for illegal ownership or breeding of animals was CHF492 ($497) in 2018 (CHF432 in 2017), whereas the upper limit is CHF20,000. The foundation believes the sanctions are not proportional to the suffering inflicted on the animals.
Most infringements (50.4%) concerned pets, mainly dogs. One-third (33.3%) related to farm animals and one-tenth (9.8%) to wildlife. When compared to population size, the proportion of criminal proceedings has decreased. The Swiss average is 2.02 proceedings per 10,000 inhabitants, compared to 2.18 in 2017.
More
More
Which animals do the Swiss love best?
This content was published on
Giraffes, coatis, camels – the Swiss love animals of all shapes and sizes. More than one million pets were registered in 2017.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss to vote on banning factory farming
This content was published on
Campaigners have submitted the necessary signatures for an initiative aimed at outlawing intensive livestock production in Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Swiss authorities have registered a major increase in militant animal rights activities last year, according to a newspaper report.
Swiss parliament makes it easier to hunt wolves, bears and ibexes
This content was published on
Parliament has agreed to renounce adopting national level hunting regulations thereby allowing cantons to make it easier to hunt protected species.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.