Switzerland is a good performer (“B”) under the VACI, on a par with Sweden. Although animal consumption is high, the country has strict animal welfare laws and low levels of animal production.
Want to compare Switzerland’s 2020 VACI performance?
Download the 2017 VACI Report for Switzerland here.
Consuming cruelty
Rank 28
The Swiss diet contains a relatively high proportion of animal products. Around 59.4% of the average person’s diet is made up of land-based animal protein, compared to a global average of 35.2%. Each person consumes around 54.2g of land-based animal protein per day, versus a global average of 27.2g. About 14% of the population is vegetarian.
Sanctioning cruelty
Rank 4
Switzerland is rated as a good performer (“B”) under the Animal Protection Index (API), and its farmed animal protection legislation achieved an adequate performance rating (“C”) under the same index. The country has strong animal protection laws rigorously enforced at the Federal level. However, Switzerland imports a significant quantity of animal products that do not meet the standards enshrined in the nation's legislation for domestic production of animal products. Switzerland also participates in live animal exportation for journeys over eight hours, and factory farming is widespread for pigs, chickens and other farmed birds. The government has however prohibited the use of sow stalls, farrowing crates, and battery cages. Learn more about the quality of Switzerland’s legislative protections on the API here.