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Switzerland referendum on providing lawyers for animals

By Imogen Foulkes
BBC News

A nationwide referendum is taking place in Switzerland on a proposal to give animals the constitutional right to be represented in court.

Animal rights groups say appointing state-funded animal lawyers would ensure animal welfare laws are upheld, and help prevent cases of cruelty.

Opponents say Switzerland does not need more legislation regarding animal protection.

The Swiss government has recommended that voters reject the idea.

There is already one animal lawyer in Switzerland.

Zurich has made legal representation for animals in cruelty cases compulsory since 1992.

The current incumbent is Antoine Goetschel. He has gone to court on behalf dogs, cats, cows, sheep, and even a fish.

Animal 'minority'

He believes speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves is the essence of justice.

"For me the animals are one of the weakest parts in society and they need to be better protected.

"So, it's kind of a fight for a minority that needs to be supported. And to make legislation more respectful towards humans and animals as a whole."

But Switzerland has very strict animal welfare laws, and the Swiss government, conscious that the taxpayer would have to pay the fees for a nationwide system of animal lawyers, has recommended voters reject the idea.

And there is opposition from Switzerland's powerful farming lobby.

Struggling with reduced subsidies and falling milk prices, Swiss farmers say animal lawyers would simply add another layer of bureaucracy to a system already overburdened with animal protection legislation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8554012.stm

[Paphitis]

Are you going to move to Switzerland now?

[Oracle]

Absolutely. And all those cows should be given shares in the cheese and chocolate industries!

I wonder how the Large Hadron Collider is doing ...

[Paphitis]

So cows are going to require an accountant now! The lawyers will create the trustee company, and an accountant to submit their tax returns!

[Oracle]

And cows should be allowed to use their liquid assets to obtain Moortgages.

[denizaksulu]

So there is still hope for the Ambelopoulia

[Paphitis]

It might be a moot point, but perhaps Greece might be able to use their cow's liquid assets to raise the moola to pay debts, which means that Greece can regain its moo jo and so the Greeks can moo in delight and Oracle can become a less moodier moo cow...

[cyprusgrump]

It might be a moot point, but perhaps Greece might be able to use their cow's liquid assets to raise the moola to pay debts, which means that Greece can regain its moo jo and so the Greeks can moo in delight and Oracle can become a less moodier moo cow...

That was udderly awful....

[apc2010]

What a load of bullocks

[Oracle]

It might be a moot point, but perhaps Greece might be able to use their cow's liquid assets to raise the moola to pay debts, which means that Greece can regain its moo jo and so the Greeks can moo in delight and Oracle can become a less moodier moo cow...

That was udderly awful....

Yeah, he was just milking the point ...