The trade in all kinds of young pedigree animals is flourishing. In 2020, the demand for dogs from countries outside of Switzerland increased dramatically. Countless breeders and sellers are looking to make profits with highly questionable methods, some of them criminal, and practically all in violation of animal welfare laws. Together with the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) has worked hard in recent months to address the legal and practical challenges of curbing the puppy trade.

At yesterday's National Council meeting, Matthias Aebischer's (SP/BE) motion for an import ban on fur derived from animal cruelty was passed by a large majority. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) was involved in drafting the proposal and has joined other organizations in support of a campaign to promote it. TIR hopes that the Council of States will follow suit and adopt the proposal as well.

With this year's fourth newsletter edition, the library of the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (Foundation for the Animal in the Law; TIR) once again presents selected and current new acquisitions. Books, articles, and films on animal-related topics will be explored in more detail. The special reading tip is about food waste, the resulting environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity.

The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (Foundation for the Animal in the Law; TIR) is the center of excellence for the development of animal law in Switzerland. An independent nonprofit organization founded in 1996, TIR’s achievements include the detachment of animals from their previous status as insensitive things and the increasing respect for animal dignity recognized by the Swiss constitution in all areas of law. TIR’s mission is to work for the continuous improvement of human-animal relations in a legal, ethical, and social sense.

Last Monday, the Grand Council of Berne to ban underground hunting. This makes Berne the third canton to prohibit this cruel practice. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law), which has been campaigning against underground hunting for a long time, is very pleased about the decision of the Bernese Parliament.

According to the Swiss Animal Welfare Act, animal experiments are only permissible if they are indispensable and if the anticipated gain in knowledge outweigh the stress on the animals in the context of a balance of interests. However, these legal requirements are not adequately considered by the current system of licensing and research funding. A suitable measure to counteract this deficiency would be to introduce a systematic review of the benefits of animal experiments, as Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) explains in its brochure.

After most celebrations on the 2020 national holiday were cancelled due to corona, many are looking forward to resuming the traditional August 1 celebrations this year. However, fireworks can be terrifying and highly stressful for companion animals, farm animals, and wildlife. Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) therefore asks for consideration.

With this year's third issue of its newsletter, the library of the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (Foundation for the Animal in the Law; TIR) once again presents selected and current new acquisitions. Books, articles, and films on animal-related topics will be highlighted in this issue. Our special book recommendation addresses the exploitation of animals in the fashion industry, its devastating ecological effects, and our contradictory relationship with animals.

On the worldwide “Ban Live Export” day, animal welfare organizations from all over the world are raising awareness for the enormous suffering of farm animals on long-distance transports. Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) also supports the call for an end to long international transports of live animals. Animal transports that were stuck because of Corona-related border closures as well as the emergency slaughter or disposal of thousands of calves left to wait on two ships for months without care in the spring of 2021 in Spain are another reminder of the urgent need to ban such transports.

In its report on the recently concluded counter-proposal to the popular initiative “Abolishing factory farming in Switzerland (factory farming initiative)”, the Federal Council acknowledges the need for action in Swiss livestock farming and offers the prospect of improvements in the animal welfare legislation. At the same time, however, the proposal ignores central concerns of the initiative and thus proves both toothless and insufficient. Therefore, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) does not consider the counter-proposal to be an adequate alternative to the initiative.

A dog must have a balanced character and be well socialized. It must also not be aggressive towards humans or other animals and must not endanger them. In this context the question often arises as to what type of aids are permissible for breeding and training purposes, especially because certain devices are legally sold while their use is prohibited in Switzerland.

According to surveys by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG), the number of eggs produced and consumed has never been higher than in 2020. This is highly problematic in terms of animal welfare dignity: Not only are the chickens subjected to maximum performance levels for this, but they are also killed after a very short time. In addition, it is still common practice to kill the male chicks in the egg industry with gas.

Dog training on TV is proving highly popular. The streaming giant Netflix is now following this trend and has released a new series with dog trainer Jas Leverette. TIR is critical of the new series and strongly advises against replicating its content. Some of the training methods in the have been banned in Switzerland.

With 88 to 55 votes, the Grand Council rejected the introduction of an obligation to spay and neuter outdoor cats in the canton of Berne at its meeting on March 18, 2021. The corresponding postulate was submitted by Councilor David Stampfli (SP) almost a year ago. TIR is disappointed about the decision of the Bernese cantonal parliament but will nonetheless continue to advocate at the national and cantonal level for mandatory spaying and neutering of outdoor cats.

Fish are sentient animals protected by animal welfare legislation. Yet, problematic, and sometimes cruel ways of treating them are not uncommon. Obvious animal cruelties are often not recognized or played down. In a documented case, Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) has now filed charges for improper handling of a trout.

“Wild animals suffer from constantly being touched by tourists.” With its latest campaign, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR; Foundation for the Animal in the Law) aims to draw attention to the extreme suffering of animals caused by tourist attractions with wildlife. The expressive images were designed by the renowned creative agency Ruf Lanz, with whom TIR has been successfully collaborating for many years.