The seizure, accommodation, and sale of the animals from Ramiswil were carried out under the responsibility of the relevant Solothurn Veterinary Service. Swiss Animal Protection SAP had offered the Solothurn authorities the opportunity, before the horse auction yesterday, to house horses that could not be sold at the intended minimum price at a suitable SAP section rescue center—quickly, pragmatically, and solution-oriented. The specialized horse refuge, Refuge de Darwyn in Bernex- Sézenove GE alone, provided 20 places.
"Out of sight, out of mind"
There is now a justified suspicion that numerous horses were sold at non-commercial, nominal prices to professional horse dealers. For many of them, quick profits through resale or sales to slaughterhouses are likely prioritized over long-term animal welfare. From the perspective of the SAP, this does not align with the statement from the canton of Solothurn that the primary focus of the Veterinary Service during the auction is to ensure that the animals go to horse holdings where animal welfare is guaranteed. "It seems this auction was conducted based on the motto 'out of sight, out of mind'," says Marco Mettler, Managing Director of Swiss Animal Protection SAP. "Following the swift euthanasia of 120 dogs, this raises new critical questions regarding the authorities' approach."
SAP expands offerings for animal welfare cases
From the start, SAP has taken responsibility in the Ramiswil animal cruelty case and offered assistance for the accommodation of the seized animals. Together with its sections, SAP has consistently facilitated appropriate housing, including to authorities, for many years. To combat shortcomings like those in Ramiswil more effectively and promptly in the future, SAP is expanding its offerings: from 2026, the existing reporting office for animal welfare cases will be expanded and professionalized. It will be easily accessible, bolstered with personnel, and will fill a central gap in the system. Suspicion cases will be reviewed, discussions with animal owners sought early on, and if necessary, the responsible veterinary offices will be involved. This creates a platform that combines prevention and intervention.
More resources for animal protection
SAP demands that more resources be allocated to animal protection at all levels, cooperation among all stakeholders be strengthened, and animal welfare remain at the core. SAP also collaborates with other animal protection organizations to intensify discussions with authorities and politicians at the national level.
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Simon Hubacher
Swiss Animal Protection
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