News

Ban wild animal in circuses: Animal welfare organizations launch second campaign image

June 6, 2019

Today, VIER PFOTEN, ProTier, and the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) launched their current awareness raising campaign against wild animals in circuses in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The ban is absolutely necessary for animal welfare reasons. For one, it is hardly possible to provide the animals with species-appropriate housing conditions. But presenting wild animals in the circus ring is also oftentimes in violation of the constitutional principle of animal dignity protection. Nevertheless, unlike many other countries, Switzerland still allows wild animals in circuses.

TIR pleased over Basel vote against "Ozeanium"

May 20, 2019

Basel's citizens made their choice clear with 54.56% of the votes against the construction of a large marine aquarium. Prior to the vote, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) had warned against the aquarium for reasons of animal welfare and species conservation and is very pleased with the outcome.

TIR excited about the opening of the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law

May 6, 2019

The Centre for Animal Rights Law was inaugurated in Cambridge with an opening conference on "Animal Rights Law: Present and Future". Leading animal rights experts from around the world discussed new approaches to the question of how and to what extent animals should be granted rights in the future. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) was also represented at the event.

TIR calendar 2019 – April question on animal welfare law

April 15, 2019

The TIR calendar is quite popular because it not only contains wonderful animal photos but also answers a monthly question regarding the human-animal relationship. April is dedicated to the question "How does the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulate cat ownership?". 

Criminal complaint against slaughterhouse in Avenches: TIR disappointed at excessively lenient sentence

April 4, 2019

In the fall of 2018, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) filed a criminal complaint against the slaughterhouses of Avenches and Moudon based on video material provided by the animal rights organization "Pour l'Egalité d'Animale (PEA)". In the Avenches case, the public prosecutor's office of Vaud has now sentenced a slaughterhouse employee to a fine of 250 Swiss francs. TIR is disappointed to hear that the sentence was so lenient and criticizes the law enforcement authorities for failing to adequately apply the animal welfare-related penal provisions.

Cantons impose mandatory use of leashes during the breeding season

March 29, 2019

Many native animal species breed in spring. In some cantons, dog owners are therefore required to keep their dogs on a leash in forests. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) urges dog owners to make sure that their dogs do not disturb or hunt wildlife, regardless of the regulation in their respective canton.

It's Poultry Day and TIR would like to take this occasion to shed light on the insufficient legal protection for chickens

March 19, 2019

Around 65 million chickens are reared and slaughtered in Switzerland each year. In addition, according to official estimates, more than 1.5 billion eggs were consumed in Switzerland in 2018, setting a new record. Despite this horrendous figure, the conditions in which the animals are kept and killed hardly ever get any public attention. Animals in the poultry and egg industry are subjected to extremely harsh living conditions. Sadly, the authorities responsible for the enforcement of the animal welfare legislation still fail to give chickens the required level of attention.

TIR and its partners launch new campaign "Ban Wild Animals in Circuses"

March 5, 2019

In circuses, the wellbeing and dignity of animals, which are both legally protected in Switzerland, are seriously impaired solely for the purpose of entertainment. It is high time for all circuses to adopt a modern approach to entertainment and drop wild animals in their shows. The new campaign by Vier Pfoten, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR), and ProTier underpin the call for a statutory ban on wild animals in circuses. 

TIR disappointed: Federal Council recommends rejection of Doris Fiala's parliamentary proposal to impose mandatory neutering of outdoor cats

Februar 22, 2019

In June 2018, the animal welfare organizations Network for Animal Protection – NetAP and the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) submitted a petition calling for the introduction of mandatory neutering of outdoor cats with 115'000 signatures to parliament. In support of the request, National Council member Doris Fiala (FDP/ZH) presented a parliamentary proposal to impose mandatory neutering of outdoor cats on November 29, 2018. However, in its statement of February 20, the Federal Council recommended rejection of the proposal. TIR is disappointed with the position taken by the Federal Council and criticizes its statement.

TIR pleased with outcome of Zurich's voting results: electorate rejects proposed amendment to cantonal dog law

February 11, 2019

lmost 70% of Zurich's voters rejected an amendment to the cantonal dog legislation, which would have resulted in the abolition of compulsory training courses for dog owners. The Zürcher Tierschutz (Zurich Aimal Welfare Association) and the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) are in favor of compulsory training and recommended rejection of the amendment prior to the vote. The training courses serve not only to protect humans but also to ensure the wellbeing of dogs.

CITES publishes proposals for CoP18

January 18, 2019

On January 4, 2019, the CITES Secretariat published 57 proposals to amend the list of species subject to CITES regulations submitted by the CITES member states. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) keeps track of the activities of the CITES bodies and promotes the best possible protection for all animals.

No animal takes pleasure in suffering! – TIR launches new campaign against animal cruelty

January 7, 2019

Animal welfare calls for unique ideas when it comes to raising public awareness for animal cruelty. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) has therefore once again chosen to work with renowned advertising agency Ruf Lanz. Featuring animals in BDSM costumes and the slogan "No animal takes pleasure in suffering", our campaign calls to mind that in Switzerland, too, countless animals fall victim to abuse.

SRG ombudsman supports complaint submitted by TIR regarding a cooking show

December 14, 2018

In October 2018, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) lodged a program complaint with the SRG ombudsman's office for the German-speaking part of Switzerland. TIR criticized the cooking show "David Rocco - Süsse Indien-Küche" (David Rocco - Sweet India Kitchen), which was aired on SRF Zwei and showed live crabs having their claws broken off and their shells removed while fully conscious. The deputy ombudsman supported TIR's complaint in his final report of December 5, 2018.

TIR attended various international animal welfare conferences in 2018

December 12, 2018

This year the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) was represented at various international conferences, namely the third Global Animal Law Conference in Hong Kong, the EGALS Conference in Turku, Finland, the CITES Standing Committee meeting in Sochi, Russia, the Animal Law Conference in Chicago, USA, and the Animal Welfare Law conference in Vienna, Austria.

TIR disappointed at rejection of cow horn initiative

November 26, 2018

Despite widespread support for the initiative, it was unable to reach a majority: 54.7 percent of the Swiss electorate rejected the initiative "For the dignity of farm animals". The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) is disappointed at the outcome of the vote but sees a positive development in the public debate on the meaning and purpose of cow and goat horns, which has spread far beyond Switzerland's borders, and will continue to support the cause.

Animal welfare-related penal practice 2017: TIR analysis shows substantial differences in enforcement as well as a significant decrease in the number of animal welfare-related criminal proceedings and takes a closer look at animal welfare offenses committed against pigs

November 22, 2018

At a media conference today, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR)
presented its comprehensive analysis of the Swiss animal welfare penal practice in 2017. With 1691 cases in the year under review, the number of animal welfare-related criminal proceedings fell significantly for the first time since 2004, which is largely - but not exclusively - due to the abolition of compulsory training courses for dog owners. In this year's analysis, a particular focus was placed on animal welfare provisions governing pig husbandry and the corresponding penal practice. It was found that the well-being and dignity of pigs are hardly given any legal consideration.

TIR supports referendum against the construction of the Ozeanium in Basel

October 22, 2018

On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, the cantonal parliament of Basel-Stadt voted on the construction of the Ozeanium – a large public aquarium as part of the Basel Zoo intended to contain a range of aquatic animal species, its construction planned for 2024 – and granted its approval for the project. From an animal welfare as well as a species and nature conservation point of view, the decision is unacceptable. That is why a referendum will now be held with the support of the Fondation Franz Weber and four other organizations, including the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR). The citizens of Basel will have the final say.

TIR files criminal complaint against slaughterhouses in Moudon and Avenches

October 15, 2018

The animal rights group "Pour l'Egalité d'Animale (PEA)" published video footage from slaughterhouses in Avenches and Moudon in the canton of Vaud on its website www.abattoirs-suisses.ch. The footage shows serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) has filed a criminal complaint against both companies with the competent public prosecutor's office.

TIR attends meeting of CITES Standing Committee in Sochi, Russia

October 9, 2018

The CITES Standing Committee held its meeting in Sochi, Russia, from October 1 to October 5, 2018. More than 600 representatives of governments and organizations (IGOs and NGOs) discussed the regulation of international trade in endangered animal and plant species. Many animal species are either endangered or at risk of extinction as a result of the growing international trade in live animals and animal products.

How well-meaning volunteers working in Africa unintentionally support dubious animal farms

August 7, 2018

The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) has been intensively researching poaching and trade in live animals, hunting trophies, and illegally obtained animal products, with trophy hunting and canned hunting being major topics. Volunteers interested in working in Africa are advised to take special care when selecting projects and to avoid, by all means, farms that offer hunts.

TIR disappointed by the decision of the Federal Supreme Court: The DBT is denied party rights in animal welfare-related criminal proceedings

June 29, 2018

For more than 20 years, the umbrella association of the Bern animal welfare organizations (DBT) has been exercising party rights in animal welfare-related criminal proceedings in Bern, thereby representing the animals' interests. However, in its ruling of June 14, the Federal Supreme Court denied the DBT its status as a public authority and consequently its party rights in animal welfare-related criminal proceedings. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) is disappointed by this decision and deeply regrets to see the Canton of Bern lose an important enforcement tool for animal welfare law.

Fawn killed during mowing works - TIR files criminal complaint for animal cruelty

June 26, 2018

Each year, from mid-April to the end of July, numerous fawns are killed during mowing works. Various television networks reported one specific case, which prompted the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) to file a criminal complaint.

TIR supports the (anti) factory farming initiative

June 21, 2018

The popular initiative "End factory farming in Switzerland (Massentierhaltungsinitiative)", launched by an association called Sentience Politics and supported by numerous organizations, was launched in Bern on June 12, 2018. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) supports the initiative's request to abolish factory farming in Switzerland.

TIR disappointed: Council of States relaxes restrictions on wolf hunting

June 15, 2018

In its deliberations of June 13 concerning the federal hunting act, the Council of States agreed with central points made by the Federal Council in its draft, which was in many respects contrary to animal welfare. In terms of the relaxation of restrictions on wolf hunting, the Council of States went even further. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) is following these developments with great concern. It had already made its views clear to the members of the Council of States in a statement prior to its decision.

TIR supports "Stop Live Transport" campaign

June 14, 2018

On today's worldwide "Stop Live Transport" day, animal welfare organizations from all over the world are raising awareness for the enormous suffering of farm animals on long-distance transports.

TIR Petition delivery in Berne: "Mandatory neutering of outdoor cats"

June 12, 2018

More than 115'000 people signed a petition to the Swiss Parliament demanding the introduction of mandatory neutering of outdoor cats in order to curb the excessive reproduction of cats and thus reduce the suffering of cats in Switzerland. The petition sheets will be handed over to parliament at noon today in Berne.

District Court sentences couple to conditional imprisonment for drowning dogs

May 4, 2018

On Thursday, May 3, the District Court of Zofingen sentenced a 38-year-old man to conditional imprisonment of 20 months and a fine of 1000 Swiss francs for drowning his wife's two Miniature Pinschers in the Aare river. His wife also received a conditional sentence of 16 months and a conditional monetary penalty for incitement to animal cruelty. The couple's actions were met with horror throughout Switzerland.

TIR criticizes insufficient legal protection for poultry

March 29, 2018

Around 65 million chickens are raised and slaughtered in Switzerland every year. In addition, the number of eggs consumed by the Swiss reached a new record of 1.51 billion in 2017. Despite these horrendous numbers, the conditions under which the animals are kept and killed are rarely a matter of public concern. Especially in poultry breeding and husbandry as well as in the context of egg production, the worst excesses of livestock farming can be seen. Unfortunately, the authorities responsible for the enforcement of animal welfare legislation also frequently fail to pay the necessary attention to the plight of chickens.

Presentation of petition in Berne: "No wild animals in the circus"

March 13, 2018

More than 70,000 people have signed a petition demanding that the Swiss Federal Council ban wild animals in Swiss circuses. The petition forms were handed over to the Federal Council in Berne today.

TIR files criminal complaint for animal welfare violations in chicken rearing

February 2, 2018

The animal rights organization Tier im Fokus published video material from five Swiss chicken farms this week. The footage shows injured, dying and dead animals that are not adequately looked after, in violation of the legal requirements. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) will file criminal charges against the companies concerned on the basis of the detected infringements.

Label products are to include more protection for fish: First step in the right direction

January 26, 2018

The ASC label stands for responsible fish farming and is meant to ensure a clean conscience when buying fish products. However, animal welfare has so far hardly been taken into account in the ASC standard. The Foundation for Animals in Law (TIR) therefore supported the petition launched by fair-fish for the inclusion of animal welfare criteria. It was handed over to the ASC which has reacted with a positive response.

TIR is a founding member of the professional association "Swiss Association for Animal Welfare Work" (VATS)

January 16, 2018

On December 8, 2017, the Swiss Association for Animal Welfare Work (Verband Arbeitswelt Tierschutz Schweiz, VATS) was founded. VATS is the first association for professionals working in animal welfare. The association was founded by three organizations: Kompanima (www.kompanima.ch), Susy Utzinger Stiftung für Tierschutz (SUST; www.susyutzinger.ch) and the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR).

TIR attends meeting of CITES Standing Committee in Geneva

December 15, 2017

The CITES Standing Committee held its meeting in Geneva from November 27 to December 1, 2017. More than 600 representatives of governments and organizations (IGOs and NGOs) discussed the regulation of international trade in endangered animal and plant species. Many animal species are either endangered or at risk of extinction as a result of the growing international trade in live animals and animal products.

High Court of Zurich convicts pigeon breeder of disregarding animal dignity

December 12, 2017

On December 11, 2017, the High Court of Zurich convicted a pigeon breeder on multiple counts of deliberate animal cruelty. In March 2011, the latter had prepared a so-called "kamikaze pigeon" with the intention of poisoning a bird of prey. The High Court confirmed the accusation of multiple animal cruelty and also significantly increased the sentencing imposed by the court of first instance. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) welcomes the clear signal on the part of the courts that such practices will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

TIR demands an import ban on products obtained by cruelty to animals - Council of States rejects proposal

November 29, 2017

Today, the Council of States rejected the proposal of National Council member Matthias Aebischer (from the SP party/Berne) for an import ban on products obtained by cruelty to animals by 37 to 4 votes. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) is deeply disappointed that so little emphasis is put on animal welfare.

TIR continues successful campaign against animal cruelty

November 23, 2017

In Switzerland, animals still do not get the legal protection they deserve. With the second part of its awareness-raising campaign against animal cruelty, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) wants to call attention to the fact that animal welfare-related offenses are still not being prosecuted consistently. The campaign was yet again designed by the renowned advertising agency Ruf Lanz.

Animal welfare-related penal practice 2016: TIR analysis shows massive differences between the cantons in the prosecution of animal welfare-related offenses and also practically inexistent law enforcement in the field of poultry farming throughout Switzerland

November 16, 2017

At a media conference today, TIR presented its comprehensive analysis of the Swiss animal welfare penal practice in 2016. The number of animal welfare-related criminal proceedings reached a new peak in 2016 with 2397 cases which can be traced back to a significant improvement of the penal system. Nevertheless, there are still large differences between the cantons. This year's report examined in particular the animal welfare regulations on poultry farming and the related penal practice. It turns out that the welfare and dignity of chickens are hardly taken into account on a legal level.

TIR at the world premiere of "Citizen Animal"

September 18, 2017

On September 9, "Citizen Animal" by the German filmmaker Oliver Kyr celebrated its world premiere in Zurich. The documentary explores whether and to what extent animals should be granted civil and other rights. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) is featured in the film and was also present at the premiere.

TIR supports "Stop Live Transport" campaign

September 13, 2017

Today is world "Stop Live Transport" day. Animal welfare organizations from around the world are drawing attention to the immense suffering of animals on long-distance transports.

TIR has published an expert opinion on the permissibility of restrictions on the trade in fur products made using cruel production methods

September 8, 2017

TIR is happy to announce its new publication "Zulässigkeit von Beschränkungen des Handels mit tierquälerisch hergestellten Pelzprodukten" (volume 16) from its series "Schriften zum Tier im Recht". The publication examines whether a ban on the import and/or placing on the market of fur products made by using cruel production methods is consistent with Switzerland's international obligations and how such a ban could be designed and implemented in practice.

Scandalous case of animal cruelty and lack of law enforcement in the canton of Thurgau

August 29, 2017

In late summer of 2017, a severe case of animal cruelty became widely known when an offender with multiple convictions for animal welfare violations and owner of many horses (hereinafter referred to as Mr. U.K.), was once again reported to the police by concerned citizens who had seen dead and emaciated horses on his property. What was particularly shocking was the fact that Mr. U.K. was still keeping well over one hundred horses on his property without any intervention from the authorities despite his multiple previous convictions for animal cruelty and other offenses.

Animal friendly holidays – problematic souvenirs and delicacies

August 10, 2017

Although most people regard animal and species protection as a matter of course back home, they oftentimes unintentionally face this problem when travelling. Not only should animal shows and direct contact with animals be avoided for reasons of animal and species protection; caution is also advised when buying souvenirs.

World Ranger Day on July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017

Today is World Ranger Day, which is dedicated to all rangers who have lost their lives or have been injured during their service. It is a good opportunity for the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) to draw attention to those who protect animals and the dangers that their work entails. Two years ago, TIR visited the Anti-Poaching and Tracking Specialists (ATS) in Zimbabwe and was able to gain insight into their work for the protection of rhinos.

Tierimrecht.org now available in English!

March 21, 2017

Animal welfare transcends boundaries. The Stiftung Tier im Recht (TIR) is therefore pleased to announce that it can now also present important contents of its website in English.

TIR campaign wins "Poster of the Year" award again!

March 13, 2017

An awareness-raising campaign by Tier im Recht (TIR) has won the prestigious "Swiss Poster of the Year" award again. Last Thursday, the campaign "Animals as Trash" was selected as the winner in all categories at the APG|SGA Poster Night. Like in 2013, the campaign was once again designed by the creative agency Ruf Lanz.

Guest Lecture by Honjo Moe (Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo)
Keys to Understanding Animal Law in Japan – An Analysis of the Most Protected and the Least Protected Animals


December 12, 2016

Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies – Japanese Studies, in collaboration with Protecting the Weak and Tier im Recht (TIR)
Thursday, December 15, 2016, 16:00–18:00
University of Zurich, Room RAA E-29, Rämistrasse 59, 8001 Zurich

Animal Welfare-Related Penal Practice 2015: TIR analysis shows massive discrepancies from one canton to another in the persecution of animal abuse and considerable deficits in the current practice of criminal authorities

November 24, 2016

At a media conference today, TIR presented a comprehensive analysis of the Swiss animal welfare-related penal practice of 2015. With 1998 animal welfare-related proceedings conducted during this period, their number has more than tripled over the last ten years and increased more than fivefold in the last 15 years. This proves that the prosecution of animal abuse cases has improved. However, there are still great cantonal discrepancies and a distinct inequality in the treatment of different animal species. This year's analysis focuses on the violation of elementary principles of criminal law within the criminal justice system

TIR gives a presentation at the international animal welfare conference in Strasbourg

October 24, 2016

The international EGALS conference "Droit et éthique de l'animal", which took place on October 21 and 22 in Strasbourg, was attended by animal welfare lawyers from all over Europe. A four-person delegation represented Tier im Recht (TIR) at the event and gave a presentation on the legal situation of animals for slaughter in Switzerland.

tierimrecht.org with a totally new look!

October 4, 2016

Tier im Recht (TIR) is proud to present its new, completely revised website on today's World Animal Day. The new www.tierimrecht.org is not only much clearer and more user-friendly than its predecessor but also more modern and interactive. Interested individuals can now find out more easily and quickly about the various aspects of legal animal welfare.

Volume 15 of the TIR series on animal dignity protection has been published

September 20, 2016

The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) is pleased with the newest publication in its series "Schriften zum Tier im Recht". The book "Animal Dignity Protection in Swiss Law – Status Quo and Future Perspectives" was written by Dr. Gieri Bolliger, executive director of TIR, and is the first comprehensive legal work that has been written in English on the concept of animal dignity in Swiss law.

TIR files complaint against Circus Royal for animal dignity violation

August 10, 2016

This season, the Swiss Circus Royal is presenting a questionable show involving an act with lions. The legally protected dignity of these animals is clearly violated during the show. The Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) therefore filed a complaint for animal cruelty and demanded an immediate end to the lion act.

Animal welfare organizations demand a Swiss ban on the import and transit of hunting trophies

May 31, 2016

The international EGALS conference "Droit et éthique de l'animal", which took place on October 21 and 22 in Strasbourg, was attended by animal welfare lawyers from all over Europe. A four-person delegation represented Tier im Recht (TIR) at the event and gave a presentation on the legal situation of animals for slaughter in Switzerland

TIR is pleased with the success of Zimbabwe's Rangers

April 28, 2016

The situation is dramatic for rhinos in Africa: in Zimbabwe alone, dozens of these animals are killed every year. Tier im Recht (TIR) is therefore pleased to hear from the Anti-Poaching and Tracking Specialists (ATS) that they have succeeded in capturing a group of poachers who were responsible for the death of countless animals.

Protecting wild animals from poaching – The fight against the illegal wildlife trade

April 20, 2016

The illegal killing of wild animals and the trade involved has assumed alarming proportions and has brought many species to the brink of extinction. In March 2016, the National Assembly called for stricter criminal sanctions against the illegal trade. Tier im Recht (TIR) welcomes this and urges the buyer and transit countries to better meet their responsibilities.

20 Years Tier im Recht – TIR celebrates its anniversary and bestows TIR Animal Law Award for the first time

March 16, 2016

Looking back on its efforts and achievements for the legal protection of animals since 1996, yesterday, Tier im Recht (TIR) celebrated its 20th anniversary and for the first time awarded the international "TIR Animal Law Award" for outstanding achievements in the field of animal welfare law. The first award winner is the Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) at the Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland (Oregon/USA).

Trophy hunting for endangered species overseas – hunting tourism

March 3, 2016

Since the beginning of the year, Tier im Recht (TIR) has been working on a new project concerning poaching and the trade in live animals, hunting trophies, and illegally obtained animal products. Last year, TIR explored possible solutions to issues associated with animal and species protection in Kenia and Zimbabwe. Trophy hunting is currently a very controversial topic, particularly since the death of Cecil the lion, which led to increased public awareness on the subject.

TIR at the Washington Convention on Protected Species (CITES)

January 21, 2016

The standing committee of the Washington Convention on protected species met from January 11-15, 2016. Around 500 representatives of governments and organizations discussed matters relating to the regulation of the international trade in endangered animal and plant species. Many animal species are endangered or threatened by extinction due to growing international trade in live animals and products thereof.