Government bans live animal transport
Switzerland said on Friday that it was banning the transit of live horses and poultry destined for slaughter, in a move aimed at protecting animals.
The ban applies to traded livestock being carried through Switzerland to and from neighbouring countries because the journey is regarded as too long.
The country, which is not a part of the European Union, is taking the step "because of animal protection rules which bans transportation of more than six hours," vice-director of the Federal Veterinary Office, Prisca Grossenbacher,
told AFP.
"Since the transit of cows, pigs, lambs and goats have already been banned, the transit of horses and poultry destined for slaughter should also be banned," said Swiss authorities in a statement.
Authorities believe that animals should not be subjected to long journeys for the sole purpose of being slaughtered.
The new ban will enter in force in April.
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