Swiss TV: Voters rejecting proposal to appoint special lawyers for abused animals

Swiss TV: Voters rejecting animal lawyers proposal

GENEVA — Swiss national television says projections by political polling organization gfs.bern indicate voters have rejected a plan to appoint special lawyers for animals that have been abused by humans.

SF1 says 68.6 percent voted against the proposal in the northern canton (state) of Aargau that was the first to report final results.

If passed, the vote would would have extended a system already in place in Zurich to all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons.

Animal rights activists say a “yes” vote would ensure that abused animals are properly represented in court and those who hurt them receive appropriate punishment.

Opponents, including the government, say existing laws are sufficient and appointing lawyers for animals would incur unnecessary costs for taxpayers.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

GENEVA (AP) — In a referendum cheered by animal rights activists, Swiss voters are deciding whether to appoint special lawyers for animals that have been abused by humans.

If passed, the vote would extend a system already in place in Zurich to all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (states).

Antoine F. Goetschel, Europe’s only animal lawyer, says approving the proposal would ensure that abused animals are properly represented in court and those who hurt them would receive appropriate punishment.

Opponents, including the government, say existing laws are sufficient and appointing lawyers for animals would incur unnecessary costs for taxpayers.

Switzerland already has some of the toughest animal protection laws in the world.