Annual Report 2025

2025 was a dynamic year for Sentience, full of challenges and important progress for animals. Whilst advancing key projects, we also restructured much internally. This year in review highlights what we achieved together – and what we, as a team, will build on in the coming year. Thanks to our supporters, in 2025 we were able to advance projects that sparked political change, made animal suffering visible, and brought the interests of non-human animals more prominently into societal discourse. Overall, 2025 was a year of impactful projects.

Pre-campaign for the Outdoor Access Initiative

The pre-campaign laid the foundation for a strong start to the signature collection next year. Our goal: mobilise as many people as possible early on and raise broad awareness of the initiative. We have already secured over 75,000 pledged signatures – a strong sign of societal support.

Through the pre-campaign, we inform about the initiative’s key demands, debunk common myths, as well as prepare materials, content and mobilization structures that will be crucial for a dynamic launch.

The Chicken Check – Examining Major Retailers

Sentience investigated how much the most powerful Swiss retailers really care about chicken welfare. The results were summarised in four reports. One thing is clear: more can be done. That’s why we called on consumers to email retailers and demand higher standards for broiler chickens.

In previous campaigns, we collected 23,000 signatures to demand better conditions for chickens. Together, we built pressure and opened a dialogue. Sentience was able to hold discussions with retailers, but despite promises and some steps, progress stalled. We therefore escalated pressure and involved consumers directly.

Invisible Animals

With four petitions and around 35,000 signatures, we brought pigeons, rats, bees and fish back into the political debate. We presented our demands to parliamentarians, at both the city and national levels. Some issues have already been taken up in parliament, whilst for others we are waiting for a suitable political window – and remain persistent.

A strong community for animals

Our work for animals relies on the support of our members, donors, and funding partners. In 2025 as well, we were able to count on a committed community that shares and supports our vision of a society free from animal suffering. We are deeply grateful for this trust and solidarity.

Next year’s programme promises to be exciting and full: collecting signatures for the initiative on outdoor access, maintaining pressure on major retailers, researching potential new initiatives linked to sustainable food systems, and many other projects. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!