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.
International cooperation: the National Assembly accepts 11 billion euros
This content was published on
Switzerland's international cooperation strategy 2025-2028 has been recommended a budget of almost CHF11 billion after weeks of political wrangling.
Zurich court throws out ‘cum-ex’ case against German lawyer
This content was published on
A trial against a German lawyer, accused of breaching Swiss banking secrecy investigating 'cum-ex' transactions, has collapsed.
Swiss National Bank lowers key interest rate by 0.5%
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank lowers benchmark interest rate by a surprisingly hefty 0.5%. The reference rate now stands at 0.5%.
Swiss fintech Leonteq has profits confiscated after regulatory breach
This content was published on
Swiss derivatives firm Leonteq acted in serious violation of regulatory obligations and must to hand over CHF9.3 million in profits.
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.