Animal welfare Parliament can decide on import ban for furs produced in cruel conditions
Parliament can decide on a ban on the import and trade of fur products produced in a cruel manner. The Federal Council has adopted the dispatch on amendments to the Animal Welfare Act.
28.05.2025, 13:23
SDA
The proposed amendments to the law are an indirect counter-proposal to the popular initiative "Yes to a ban on the import of fur products produced in a cruel manner". The Federal Council recommends that they be rejected.
It argued that the proposed import ban is not based on international standards. Furthermore, an import ban should not be enshrined in the Federal Constitution, but in law. He therefore proposes that a ban on the import of furs produced in a cruel manner be written into the Animal Protection Act.
The definition of "cruel to animals" used in the law is the international guiding principles of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). According to these principles, animals kept for fur production should be able to live in a manner typical of their species. And they should not be subjected to pain, suffering or injury.
The Federal Council also wants to ban the domestic trade in furs produced in a cruel manner - the initiative does not contain such a ban. In future, Swiss fur stores, fashion stores and online retailers will have to prove that the fur products they purchase have been produced using methods that are not cruel to animals.
Illegally imported and traded furs and fur products will be withdrawn from circulation and offenders will be prosecuted. "Switzerland is thus setting an example for animal welfare," writes the Federal Council.
The counter-proposal met with broad approval during the consultation process. The initiative committee even considered withdrawing its request if certain conditions were met. It criticized the planned exemption provisions in the consultation.
However, the Federal Council wants to implement the ban on the import of "agonizing fur" quickly. It has therefore decided to introduce it in an ordinance as early as July 1, 2025.
