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Overcrowded shelters due to dog laws

Last year the 57 Swiss animal protection associations took in 24,000 abandoned animals.

One of the reasons for this significant number is the fact that laws are getting tougher against fighting dogs, which makes it almost impossible to place them.

During the summer holidays animal refuges are almost full.

Some owners never pick their pets up, and with a pension stay costing about SFr20 ($19.01) a day, the associations have to rely on donations.

The most difficult animals to place, alongside old and sick ones, are dogs whose breed is considered potentially dangerous in certain cantons.

More than 20 animal protection associations have declared they would no longer accept these dogs.

About 18,000 animals find a new home every year.

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