Switzerland: Federal Council recommends rejection of the motion "No to the killing of healthy companion animals"

A motion dated 27 September 2023 (motion no. 23.4069) called for the killing of healthy companion animals to be prohibited by law. The motion states that there are unscrupulous pet owners who would use this method to get rid of a pet that has become a "nuisance" to them. This should no longer be possible in future. In its statement of 15 November 2023, the Federal Council requested that the motion be rejected. Among other things, it argued that the current situation, in which animal owners and veterinarians would seek the most reasonable solution on a case-by-case basis, was preferable. In practice, professional ethics already oblige the veterinary profession to avoid euthanising healthy companion animal and to seek alternative solutions. The legislator had also opposed the establishment of an explicit protection of life during the consultation on the Animal Welfare Act.