Species-Specific Amendments to Animal Protection Ordinance Demanded
Animal welfare organisations are calling for species-specific amendments to the Animal Protection Ordinance. Current regulations provide insufficient protection for many animal species.
Donkeys, mules and hinnies are among the “forgotten” animals in the Swiss Animal Protection Ordinance.
National Councillor Anna Giacometti (FDP/GR) is now calling on the Federal Council to adapt the legal framework as part of the revision of the Animal Protection Ordinance: the specific needs and species-appropriate housing conditions of donkeys, mules and hinnies should finally be taken into account in the Animal Protection Ordinance.
According to animal statistics, approximately 11,000 donkeys, mules and hinnies live in Switzerland. They require specific husbandry regulations: because their coat, unlike that of horses, is not water-repellent, donkeys are highly sensitive to cold and wet conditions. Donkeys therefore require permanent access to a shelter, regardless of how long they spend outdoors. Donkeys, mules and hinnies need food that is low in energy and protein but high in fibre. On our lush pastures, they can meet their nutritional requirements through grazing in as little as approximately two hours. Accordingly, access to pasture must be adjusted to the seasons and the quality of the grassland, and ample alternative opportunities for movement should be provided in dry areas with activities to keep them occupied. Furthermore, the fact that donkeys are not grazing animals but originally desert animals must be taken into account in our climatic zones and vegetation, in the sense that regular health checks must be carried out. Shelters, dry areas and health checks pose a particular challenge, especially during alpine summer grazing, which can give rise to animal welfare concerns.
Donkeys Are Not Horses
National Councillor Anna Giacometti (FDP/GR) now intends to use a motion to instruct the Federal Council to adapt the legal basis during the revision of the Animal Protection Ordinance so that the special characteristics of donkeys, mules and hinnies are taken into account: "I kept two female donkeys for a long time and am familiar with their particular needs. Donkeys are not horses — this must finally be reflected in legislation," says Anna Giacometti.
