Swiss government forbids use of donkeys to protect against wolf attacks

Farmers in the northern Jura mountain region will not be able to use donkeys to protect their herds of sheep and goats against wolf attacks. The Swiss government considers this practice to be contrary to the law. The cantons will no longer be able to issue exemptions. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox At the end of 2023, the Jura parliament adopted a postulate from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party calling for authorisation to use donkeys to protect herds. The Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV) was asked by the canton of Jura to provide a legal opinion, but it noted that the practice was unworkable. The Federal Ordinance on the Protection of Animals prohibits the keeping of horses, donkeys and similar species when they are alone. However, it is only in this situation that the animal assumes its role as protector. According to the Ordinance, donkeys must have visual, auditory and olfactory contact with a fellow animal. The five ...