News
We issue statements on news in society and politics with a bearing on animal ethics. We also provide information on current developments in the area of agriculture and consumption.
Same Aldi, different standards across borders
After Migros and Lidl, Aldi steps into the spotlight. Does it live up to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC), the scientific framework designed to reduce the suffering of broiler chickens?...
In December, every donation counts twice
From now until the end of December, every donation will be matched by generous supporters – up to a total of 50,000 CHF. That means 10 CHF becomes 20 CHF, 50 CHF becomes 100 CHF.
Vague promises do not protect animals, transparency does
After examining Migros last week, Sentience is now turning the spotlight on Lidl to assess how well its practices align with the European Chicken Commitment (ECC), a scientific framework designed to reduce the suffering of broiler chickens...
When the market leader leads, millions of lives change
Across Switzerland, retailers shape animal welfare outcomes at scale. With the “Chicken Check”, we assess how Swiss retailers measure up to the standards of the European Chicken Commitment (ECC). To date, no Swiss retailer has signed the ECC...
Why Politics Must Extend Beyond Our Own Species
Why do our laws, institutions and policies still revolve mostly around one species – our own?
From Overlooked to Unmissable: A Voice for Invisible Animals
Just over a year ago, we launched the “Invisible Animals” campaign. Through our petition – which we aimed to give a voice to pigeons, rats, bees and fish – we gathered 34,970 signatures.
When Science Meets Policy: A Milestone for Animal Sentience
The LSE is launching a pioneering Centre for Animal Sentience, led by Prof. Jonathan Birch. At Sentience, we welcome this vital step—proof that science and policy must meet to put the concept of sentience at the heart of decision-making.
Fish farming: the invisible crisis we can no longer ignore
For the World Day of the End of Fishing and Fish Farming, we are called to confront the hidden suffering of billions of fish, as well as the urgent need for a transformative approach to aquaculture.
2024 Annual Report
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for our organisation. Despite limited human and financial resources, and thanks to the commitment of the entire team, we managed to lay solid foundations that now allow us to look forward to a motivating...
Migros’ Decision to Weaken Animal Welfare Standards: A Step Backward for Ethics and Sustainability
Migros recently announced that imported meat products will not have to meet Swiss animal welfare standards anymore. This move marks a significant setback.
In 2025, we are letting the pigs out! 🐷
We are launching a new federal popular initiative demanding outdoor access for all animals in agriculture. This new initiative has the potential to shape the discourse in Switzerland for years to come.
In December, every donation counts twice
From now until the end of December, every donation will be doubled by generous donors — up to a total of 50,000 CHF. This means 10 CHF becomes 20 CHF, and 50 CHF becomes 100 CHF.
Sonoma County’s Measure J: Echoes of Switzerland’s Factory Farming Vote
Recent animal welfare initiatives in Sonoma County, CA, and Switzerland highlight the resilience of grassroots efforts in challenging entrenched interests and promoting more ethical standards.
END preprogrammed suffering: together for Swiss broiler chickens
Coop, Migros, it is high time that we talk. Between the two of you, you are responsible for nearly 80% of meat sales in Switzerland. You therefore bear a critical responsibility for the alarming growth of the poultry industry. The number of...
Logbook : the life of an intensively farmed chicken
A broiler chicken’s weight increases 33 times over its short life. In Switzerland, nearly 80 million broiler chickens are slaughtered each year, 92% of which are raised in intensive aviculture. Their suffering is pre-programmed, encoded in their...
