Swiss voters rejected a proposal to appoint special lawyers for abused animals.

30 percent said 'yes' to the poll that was initiated by the Swiss Animal Protection (PSA). The animal protection group had argued that Switzerland's many animal welfare laws weren't being enforced. They said that providing lawyers would help deter cases of animal cruelty and neglect.

"It's disappointing, I thought it would have been a closer vote," said Tiana Angelina Moser of the Green Liberal Party.

"I don't think it's a 'no' to animal protection, but a 'no' for this particular measure."

If the referendum had been passed, then all 26 cantons would have had to appoint a lawyer for animals to represent their judicial proceedings.

The Swiss government, key farmers' groups and other opponents of the proposal had argued that this would have been too expensive for taxpayers.

wl/AP/AFP
Editor: Andreas Illmer