Hi. A friend told me that last April a law was passed in the whole of Switzerland that says that when anyone buys an animal, apart from a cat, they are obliged to buy two. Is this true? My second question is, does anyone know of an animal sculptor in Switzerland? I have two Great Danes and would like to get something done.

If thats the case, then I know lots of people who are in trouble for breaking the law. Me included.

Have never heard of such a law - least not for dogs. Makes no sense.

Hi Summerrain. I agree with you but she is adament and someone else seemed to know something about it.

Well, then ask her for a link/source rather than banging on about it. I'd be interested to read it too.

Your friend has misunderstood some of the provisions of the new Animal Welfare law (TschV, TschG).

There are indeed rules requiring an owner to keep certain species in multiples, as these are social animals needing the company of their own kind for their mental well-being.

This does not include dogs. While one is encouraged to provide regular contact with other dogs if possible, and if in the best interest of the individual dog one is not required to keep multiple dogs.

(In fact, most landlords, many neighbors, and some cantonal dog tax schemes actively discourage multiple dog ownership... but that's a whole new discussion.)

You can find information on what is required for the species you wish to keep on the BVet website - look for the 'Tier Richtig Halten' series of brochures. (Hunde Richtig Halten, Katzen Richtig Halten, Meerschwein Richtig Halten, etc.)

http://www.bvet.admin.ch/tsp/index.html?lang=de



ETA: For those interested, the text of the TschG is here:

http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/455/index.html

And the TschV here:

http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/455_1/index.html

.

It applies to parrots, for example.