Vancouver Province

Swiss to vote on legal aid for animals

News Services

Friday, August 17, 2007

ZURICH -- Swiss voters will have to decide whether to grant animals access to a lawyer in case of mistreatment.

Supporters of the initiative have gathered 145,000 signatures, more than the minimum 100,000 needed to force a national referendum in Switzerland.

The proposal calls for the appointment of a state lawyer in each of the country's 26 cantons to advocate for both domestic and farm animals. The vote will likely be held next year.
© The Vancouver Province 2007