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Council aims to prohibit imports and commerce of specific fur types

Cruelly-obtained fur imports and trade need to be prohibited, as prescribed by the National Council's stance. On a Wednesday meeting, the council solidified this position by approving the necessary modifications to the Animal Welfare Act.

Council Advocates for a Restrictive Policy on the Import and Commerce of Certain Pelts
Council Advocates for a Restrictive Policy on the Import and Commerce of Certain Pelts

Council aims to prohibit imports and commerce of specific fur types

The popular initiative 'Yes to a ban on the import of furs produced in a cruel manner' is making headway, with the latest development seeing it and its counter-proposal proceed to the Council of States.

The initiative, launched by an unnamed committee, calls for a ban on the import of fur products whose production violates Swiss law. The fur ban initiative has garnered significant support, with the National Council approving a proposal to this effect with a resounding 183 votes to 9.

However, the initiative and the proposed counter-proposal have not been without controversy. Both the Federal Council and the National Council have raised concerns about trade law implications.

In response to these concerns, new legal regulations are being proposed, featuring an indirect counter-proposal that would allow for fur imports only in exceptional cases. This approach aims to address the trade law concerns while still upholding the spirit of the fur ban initiative.

In a recent announcement, the initiative committee has stated that they will withdraw the petition for a referendum if Parliament adopts an effective counter-proposal. This decision underscores the committee's commitment to finding a solution that balances ethical concerns with practical considerations.

As the initiative moves to the Council of States, the debate on fur imports and the ethical considerations surrounding them continues to be a topic of national interest. The outcome of the discussions in the Council of States will shape Switzerland's stance on this contentious issue.

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