Top scores went to Luxembourg, Britain and Austria, while Iran, Vietnam and China do worst in the comparison of 65 states by The Swiftest.
It says it gathered statistics from international data sources to identify the best and worst countries for animal rights in 2021.
The surveyExternal link sets a total of nine criteria, including recognition of animal sentience and animal suffering, laws against animal cruelty and the use of pesticide per hectare of cropland.
Switzerland notably only has a partial fur ban, a comparatively low percentage of protected areas and a relatively high per capita meat consumption.
Next February, Swiss voters will have the final say about a proposal by animal rights groups to ban animal testing.
Two decades after tsunami, Swiss tourists flock to Southeast Asia
This content was published on
Twenty years after a catastrophic tsunami in Southeast Asia, the region is again a top destination for Swiss, including at Christmas.
Swiss forests better equipped for storms 25 years after Lothar
This content was published on
Twenty-five years after Hurricane Lothar wreaked havoc in Switzerland, the country’s forests are now better prepared, experts say.
Media: Swiss medical services done abroad are billed at Swiss rates
This content was published on
In Switzerland, some medical services carried out abroad are still billed at Swiss rates, despite costing less, RTS reports.
This content was published on
Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team, has died in an avalanche in Arosa. She was 26 years old.
This content was published on
Several Swiss films exceeded the 100,000 admissions mark worldwide in 2024 and received widespread praise at international film festivals.
Swiss Alpine resorts covered in white gold for Christmas
This content was published on
Many areas at low altitudes in Switzerland are enjoying a blanket of snow. In the mountains, intense precipitation has delighted skiers.
SWISS makes emergency landing in Austria after smoke in cockpit
This content was published on
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) made an emergency landing of an Airbus in Graz, Austria on Monday evening after engine problems.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss government gives animal welfare a boost
This content was published on
The government wants enshrine animal dignity in the Swiss constitution, but it has come out against a more detailed initiative by rights groups.
This content was published on
The number of criminal proceedings related to the mistreatment of animals has increased, according to a Swiss animal rights group.
Animal rights scholar wins prize for outstanding women researchers
This content was published on
Charlotte Blattner is being recognised by the Swiss National Science Foundation for her work on protecting animal welfare across borders.
Initiative launched to end factory farming in Switzerland
This content was published on
Animal rights groups and environmental organisations launched a popular initiative to ban intensive, large-scale livestock farming on Tuesday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.