Animal-related case law in Switzerland

Court decisions shape how Swiss animal law is applied and further developed in specific cases. However, a comprehensive analysis of case law on animal law issues has been largely lacking to date. The research project “Animal Law Case Law in Switzerland” aims to close this gap.

As part of the research project, decisions by the Federal Supreme Court, the Federal Administrative Court, and selected cantonal courts will be systematically reviewed, classified according to legal doctrine, and critically evaluated. Among other things, the project will examine how courts interpret animal rights provisions, which principles shape their decisions, and what trends can be identified.

To this end, experts from academia and the legal profession will come together to contribute their diverse perspectives. Plans include an academic conference and a collection of papers. The project aims to make Swiss animal law case law more accessible and to lay the groundwork for further discussion of animal law.