Switzerland bans import of 'too young' puppies

New animal protection requirements will apply in Switzerland from February 1. In particular, the professional import of puppies under 15 weeks of age will be prohibited. Only private individuals who personally collect their puppies from breeders abroad will be allowed to import puppies under 15 weeks of age, the government decided on Friday, as part of the partial revision of the Animal Protection Ordinance. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox With this measure, the government aims to curb the "irresponsible" trade in dogs from abroad, which often takes place via the Internet, where very young puppies are offered for sale. The aim is to reduce the number of these "thoughtless" online purchases. It will also be forbidden to shorten the tails of lambs, a practice already prohibited for all other domestic animals. A new provision will also make it possible to abandon the slaughter of male chicks, which are of no use in laying lines. The amendment to the ...