Primates could be given fundamental constitutional rights in an area in Switzerland after a referendum on the proposal was given the go ahead. The vote has been given the go ahead by the country's supreme court after cantonal and city governments objected saying it could violate federal law. 'The initiative does not ask that federal rights accorded to humans be extended to animals, but is asking for the introduction of specific rights for non-human primates. 'While unusual, this does not in itself contradict the superior law, especially since the fundamental distinction between animal rights and fundamental human rights is not brought into question,' reported The Local. The organisation said: 'Nonhuman primates have a fundamental interest in their life and physical and mental integrity.

Source: Daily Mail September 17, 2020 16:26 UTC