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.
First large-scale alpine solar plant approved in Switzerland
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The approval was met with satisfaction by the project's organisers, but it also brings with it a certain amount of pressure.
Medieval squirrels may have ‘helped spread leprosy’
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An examination of squirrel remains in the United Kingdom has opened up interesting questions and possibilities in terms of the history of the disease.
Swiss money laundering office registers record number of reports
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The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) registered a record number of reports of suspicious activity last year.
Two teens accused of planning terror attack released from custody
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The Schaffhausen judiciary has released the two teenagers from custody who allegedly planned bomb attacks in Switzerland.
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Swiss government gives animal welfare a boost
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The government wants enshrine animal dignity in the Swiss constitution, but it has come out against a more detailed initiative by rights groups.
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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
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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
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Animal rights groups and environmental organisations launched a popular initiative to ban intensive, large-scale livestock farming on Tuesday.
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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.