Switzerland
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Animals
National Animal
The Turaco“Some of my best friends never say a word to me.”
Author Unknown
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Trout, pike, turtles, carps, catfish.
Birds:
Pigeons, swans, red kites, buzzards, owls, swans, swifts, nightjars, terns, gulls, common wood pigeons, doves.
Land mammals:
Red squirrels, deer, wild pigs, foxes, badgers, marmots, wild horses, bats, hares, weasels, martens.
Snakes and insects:
Lizards, vipers, asps, smooth snakes, bees, spiders, beetles, butterflies.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
In most cities around Switzerland there is a rising urban fox population due to much food left out in garbage. Stray cats may also be seen. Fur clothing is quite common throughout the country.
In theCountryside
Towns in the countryside are known for eating cats and dogs, especially around Christmas time.
General animal welfare issues
In 2016, the Swiss government decided to ban the sale of cosmetic products containing ingredients tested on animals.
Ratings for Switzerland Animals
On passing laws sanctioning cruelty to animals (from A -best- to G -worst) according to the World Animal Protection Index:
A
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting is regulated. Hunting season varies depending on species. Common animals hunted are the alpine chamois, alpine ibex and game birds such as the common pheasants, feral pigeons, common wood-pigeons, common raven, common coots, etc. In Geneva jurisdiction, hunting has been banned since 1974.
Animal fights:
There are organized cow fighting events in Valais, Switzerland wherein two cows fight face to face with their horns. The fight ends when the other cow backs away. However, the Swiss Federal Act forbids organizing fights between or with animals. These fights still occur since it is part of a local tradition.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
