Top scores went to Luxembourg, Britain and Austria, while Iran, Vietnam and China do worst in the comparison of 65 states by The Swiftest.
It says it gathered statistics from international data sources to identify the best and worst countries for animal rights in 2021.
The surveyExternal link sets a total of nine criteria, including recognition of animal sentience and animal suffering, laws against animal cruelty and the use of pesticide per hectare of cropland.
Switzerland notably only has a partial fur ban, a comparatively low percentage of protected areas and a relatively high per capita meat consumption.
Next February, Swiss voters will have the final say about a proposal by animal rights groups to ban animal testing.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Former Vatican auditor cleared of bribery in Zurich trial
This content was published on
The Zurich District Court acquitted a former financial markets supervisor at the Vatican of charges of corruption and bribery.
This content was published on
The President of the Swiss Conference of Bishops wants a national digital register of clergy – in the interest of transparency.
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 government gives animal welfare a boost
This content was published on
The government wants enshrine animal dignity in the Swiss constitution, but it has come out against a more detailed initiative by rights groups.
This content was published on
The number of criminal proceedings related to the mistreatment of animals has increased, according to a Swiss animal rights group.
Animal rights scholar wins prize for outstanding women researchers
This content was published on
Charlotte Blattner is being recognised by the Swiss National Science Foundation for her work on protecting animal welfare across borders.
Initiative launched to end factory farming in Switzerland
This content was published on
Animal rights groups and environmental organisations launched a popular initiative to ban intensive, large-scale livestock farming on Tuesday.
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.