New rules in Switzerland: Protected puppies and chicks

From February 1, 2025, new animal protection requirements will apply in Switzerland. It will thus be prohibited to import, on a professional basis, puppies less than 15 weeks old, announces the Federal Council. Only individuals who personally collect their puppy from the breeder abroad will be authorized to do so. The Federal Council thus wants to stem the irresponsible trade in dogs from abroad, which often takes place via the internet, where very young puppies are offered for sale. The aim of this new regulation is to reduce the number of these thoughtless online purchases.

It will also be prohibited to shorten the tails of lambs. For reasons linked to animal welfare, this practice is already prohibited for all other species.

A new provision must also make it possible to abandon the slaughter of chicks. This term refers to the practice of killing large numbers of male chicks after hatching because they are of no use in the laying lines. The amendment to the Animal Protection Ordinance (OPAn) takes into account new methods enabling early sexing in the egg. Eggs containing male chicks must no longer be incubated until hatching.