Switzerland To Stop Slaughter Of Pregnant Cows

Starting next month, Swiss farmers will need to start checking that their cows aren't pregnant before selling them for slaughter.

Currently in Switzerland, farmers are not required to check if their cows are pregnant, and only about 30 percent of them do. As a result, an estimated 15,000 pregnant cows are slaughtered every year for meat in Switzerland, according to The Local.

Animal rights group were furious and passed legislation to change how things are done. Starting Feb. 1, farmers in Switzerland will have to check all cows aged 18 months and older for pregnancy. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether a cow is pregnant, in which case a vet must be called in for an examination. 

In an attempt to improve animal welfare and improve the image of the Swiss meat industry, industry governing bodies have agreed to stop the slaughter of pregnant cows for meat.