Even though Switzerland has some of the strictest animal welfare laws in the world, voters on Sunday could tighten them even further. Under the Swiss system of direct democracy, the referendum seeks to make protecting the dignity of farm animals such as cattle, chickens and pigs a constitutional requirement. New laws would also lower animal stocking rates to meet organic standards.
If adopted, the new law would have the government set stricter rules for caring for animals, including giving them access to the outdoors and for slaughtering them. The requirements would also cover imported animals and animal products. Proponents say the ban would protect the environment by reducing reliance on soya-based animal feed linked to deforestation.
The Swiss government recommended against the proposal, saying such changes would breach trade accords, increase investment and operating costs, and boost food prices.
The latest polling shows 52% of voters oppose a ban, and 47% support one.
“Switzerland already has the tightest animal protection laws that exist, but I always say this may be true, but we can do even better and we should do better,” Alexandra Gavilano, a sustainable food expert for Greenpeace Switzerland told Reuters.
That carried little weight for Daniel Wuergler, co-owner of the Gallipool Frasses poultry farm, who told Reuter he would be forced to reduce his flock under the proposals.
“Whether I have 2,000 laying hens or 18,000, I can be a good farmer or a bad one. So for me, this initiative is totally useless,” he said.
“If the initiative passes, we would be allowed to put 2,000 laying hens in this building. Doing the math, it won’t be possible to make our investments profitable.” Current law allows 27,000 chickens in one barn.
