The animal's dignity in Swiss Animal Welfare Legislation--challenges and opportunities

The introduction of the animal's dignity as a concern in animal welfare legislation in Switzerland is unique worldwide. Naturally, this measure has raised hopes and fears in those concerned with animal welfare and animal use. For the past several years, a lively debate has focused on the question of whether the addition is merely a declaration of intent or an explicit demand with, possibly, a profound impact on everyday practice. What the implications may be in the latter case is not clear. In the area of research, it has yet to be seen how this concept may be incorporated feasibly, for example, into the harm-benefit analysis, which is the prerequisite for the approval of an animal experiment. It is foreseeable, therefore, that this addition might have direct implications on research. Unfortunately, in the legislative text, there are some inconsistencies in wording, at least in the German version, that complicate interpretation. This article provides a short overview of some aspects of the controversy, which is far from settled at this time. The commentary will be restricted to the situation of experimental animals in Switzerland.