Switzerland to hold referendum on lawyers for animals

Switzerland will hold a referendum next month on whether domesticated animals should have the right to be represented by lawyers in court.
31 Jan 2010

The country recently changed its constitution to ensure the protection of the "dignity" of plant life and passed a law last year guaranteeing rights for all creatures - from guinea pigs to goldfish.

If Swiss voters approve the referendum in March, every canton in the country will be obliged to appoint a lawyer to act on behalf of pets and barnyard animals in order to protect them from abuse. the rest