Switzerland has recently passed a law to clarify acceptable treatment of "social animals."

The law, which goes into effect in September, establishes desirable treatment of animals such as dogs, fish, horses, and even rhinoceroses. An array of animals has been included under the bracket of "social animals" and a part of the new law states that any of these animals will be considered abused if they are not able to cohabit with another of their species.

Under the law dog owners must take a two part course on recognizing the needs of the dog and properly walking a dog. Swiss fisherman will now be required to participate in a course that teaches them how to catch fish humanely. Catch and release fishing has been banned; instead anglers must now kill the fish immediately after being caught with "a sharp blow to the head with a blunt instrument."

The law affects farmers as well. They are barred from restraining horses, sheep, and goats. Pigs and cows must not be forced to reside in areas with hard flooring.

Although animal rights groups are jumping for joy over the new law, many Swiss farmers are complaining of the extra costs to run their farms.

(From the July/Aug 2008 issue of The Sentry)