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Global Vision International (GVI) is an ethical volunteering organisation working in partnership with over 150 critical conservation and humanitarian projects worldwide. With staff in 30 countries and thousands of ex-volunteers there are many different stories to tell. This news section gives a brief overview of how you can find out more about GVI, its work and its people, and gives you a sample of some clippings from the international press.

Animal Lawyers

10 March 2010

The results are in… abused animals do not need their own lawyers, according to Swiss voters. The measure up for vote was to appoint special prosecutors to solely focus on animal abuse cases.

Swiss animal activists say the country’s laws are not being enforced in regards to animal abuse cases, and special attorneys are needed to represent the voiceless animals in court. If they had their way, chickens, pigs, cats, dogs, and all other animals would have a specific lawyer to watch over their welfare.

Key opponents included hunters, farmers, and pet breeders who all said the idea of appointing a special attorney to cover such cases is pointless and would cost the taxpayers unnecessary dollars. They even started a campaign to shoot down the idea, called “No to the Useless Animal Lawyers”.

The Swiss population seemed to agree, casting their vote against the lawyers by more than 70 percent according to the Associated Press.

The country currently has one animal rights attorney in Zurich, Antoine F. Goetschel. He says the measure would have cost the Swiss people less that $1 (swiss franc) per year, per person.

Some Swiss animal activists say the fight is not over, and although the vote on Sunday, was a no… it’s a no to this specific measure, not to all animal protection.

Even if animals don’t need a lawyer in Switzerland, they could sure use a helping hand around the world. Here at GVI, there are many ways you can get involved with animal protection. Just go to the expeditions page up, and search for trip focus with the keywords wildlife conservation or marine conservation.