The board of trustees of the Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare works on a voluntary basis for our organization. Together with the management, this expert body decides on project progress and key strategies. In addition to regular board meetings, these experts also undertake important additional tasks.
Some of the former members of the foundation's board of trustees continue to serve the SUST as advisory board members even after they have left office.
from left: Dr. iur. Ueli Vogel-Etienne, Susy Utzinger, Dr. med. vet. Janina Werner-Heer, Ursula Gabriel, Philippe Kayasseh
“Even as a child, animal welfare issues moved me, and I have tried to get involved and make a difference ever since, albeit mostly on a personal level. I am all the more pleased that I can now contribute more effectively to sustainable animal welfare at SUST. Only by improving the situation on the ground for both people and animals can lasting change be achieved. And that is precisely where SUST focuses its efforts, whether through spay/neuter programs or at the political level.”
"Fine words alone rarely solve animal welfare problems permanently. Providing active, on-site assistance – both animal and human – is more strenuous, but the results are all the more rewarding. As a veterinarian from a country with perfect technical and material resources, it is a challenge to perform serious work under rudimentary conditions and with the simplest of means, thereby helping animals to a better life."
«While we used to collect money for animal welfare as children, today I make a legal contribution to sustainable animal protection. Animal welfare has many legal facets. The legal basis for upholding the dignity and well-being of animals is found in the Animal Welfare Act and the Animal Welfare Ordinance. However, the dignity and well-being of animals are only truly ensured through the effective implementation of animal welfare by non-profit institutions like the Susy Utzinger Foundation, which raises legal questions related to, among other things, the Civil Code, the Law of Obligations, foundation law, and other areas of law. With my professional expertise, I contribute valuable input to the work of the foundation's board of directors, ensuring that animal welfare can be implemented effectively, sustainably, and efficiently.«
“During several years abroad, I witnessed firsthand how much stray animals, in particular, depend on our help. For many of these animals, help either doesn't come at all, arrives too late, or their owners simply cannot afford medical treatment. What impresses me most about SUST is that it provides immediate, unbureaucratic assistance in numerous locations, while always striving for a sustainable commitment. The goal is to prevent animal suffering in the long term and thereby give countless animals a better future. As a volunteer member of the foundation's board, I am happy to contribute to this effort.”
“Years ago, when I was president of the Zurich Veterinary Association, I was very impressed by Susy Utzinger’s various animal welfare activities. Having previously served on the foundation’s board and now as an advisor, I see this as a valuable opportunity to contribute to courageous animal welfare projects both at home and abroad, and to advocate for animal welfare as a professional representative.”
“My interest in animal welfare issues arose during my studies at the University of Zurich. At that time, Switzerland had its first federal animal welfare law. Parliament debated questions such as: When does a living being qualify as an animal? Which animals require special protection? What should be criminalized? And who should enforce the new law? Naturally, the concept of animal welfare is also subject to change over time. New – sometimes legal – questions arise and must be resolved in animal welfare practice. That's why I'm involved with the SUST.”
Dear friends and supporters of the Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare
Looking back to 2025, we see countless animal lives that have been given a new lease on life thanks to our collective efforts. Behind every number, behind every project, are real stories: animals in need, dedicated volunteers – and people like you who make this work possible.
The SUST was deployed again this year wherever help was urgently needed. Often this happens quietly and without much attention, but always with a significant impact.
Immediate aid for injured or neglected animals, sustainable support for animal shelters, effective castration programs and sound educational work all interlock and create long-term improvements.
In Switzerland, it became clear once again how closely social challenges and animal welfare are linked. Rising living costs are pushing many pet owners to their limits. Projects such as social work for animals, food assistance, and access to veterinary care provide not only practical support in such times, but also dignity and hope for both people and animals.
What always deeply touches us is the reliability of our supporters. Their donations, their loyalty.
And your trust gives our work stability and direction. It shows that animal welfare is not a short-term commitment, but a fundamental principle.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty and support of our mission. Together we can also
In the future, we must look ahead, take responsibility, and act where animals need our help.
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes
Ursula Gabriel
Member of the Board of Trustees
In Swiss households, there are approximately 1,8 million cats and 550,000 dogs. Many people have a close bond with their pets and are inconsolable when their companion's life ends. A recently published study from Ireland shows that the death of a pet is just as painful for many people as the death of a loved one. The grief is particularly profound when an animal dies due to the negligence of a third party, for example, in a traffic accident or through deliberate killing. In such cases, the legal question arises: What is the legal weight of the loss of an animal?
Ordinary pets have no market or commercial value. Lawyers refer to this as sentimental value. Anyone responsible for the death of an animal must compensate the owner for this sentimental value, a non-material loss. But how is this sentimental value legally calculated?
Under Swiss law, animals are not considered property, but they are treated as such with regard to property law. The law allows the judge, in the case of the killing of a domestic animal, to "adequately consider the emotional value it had for its owner or their family" (Art. 43 para. 1bis of the Swiss Code of Obligations). Different rules naturally apply to farm animals, which are primarily kept for commercial purposes in agriculture. In 2017, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court addressed the question of whether a leisure horse, not kept as a racehorse or for agricultural purposes, also qualifies as a domestic animal with emotional value (BGE 143 III 646). It answered this question in the affirmative.
The law does not specify a formula for calculating the sentimental value of an animal. Everything is at the judge's discretion. The judge may consider the following criteria: the owner's relationship to the animal, the length of time the animal was kept, the degree of fault of the person responsible for the death, and the circumstances of the animal's death. Veterinary costs incurred in attempting to save an animal must be compensated separately, provided they remain reasonable. For example, the months-long care of a house cat in the intensive care unit of an animal hospital would not be legally protected.
In a recent decision, the Federal Supreme Court had to examine whether a dog owner could also claim compensation for the emotional distress he felt for his injured animal, a kind of "compassionate value" (BGE 7B_406/2025). The Federal Supreme Court rejected the claim because the dog owner had failed to demonstrate a "particularly intense emotional relationship" with his animal. In the few cases where courts do award compensation for the emotional distress of a deceased pet, they are content with modest sums of a few thousand Swiss francs. Pet owners must take comfort in the fact that the value of a beloved animal cannot be measured in money.
And you, our dear donors, prove time and again that animals are worth far more than money: Your donations enable us to give countless animals a life free from suffering and to continuously expand our animal welfare projects. Thank you!
Dr. iur. Ueli Vogel-Etienne
Member of the Board of Trustees
The indomitable fighters
Negative headlines are dominating the media: fire disasters, conflicts, power-hungry despots… one might think the world order is doomed. In this climate, animal welfare has lost its place in many people's minds.
The whole world and everyone's mind? No, an indomitable team of animal rights activists in a small village in the Töss Valley continues to fight for the most vulnerable. They do so tirelessly for years, on the front lines in all kinds of weather, armed with scalpels, shovels, or words, creating glimmers of hope for all those who are often forgotten amidst the daily suffering.
Those who think that globally, there are bigger problems may be right. But for individuals, small changes often mean a big improvement in quality of life (think neutering or food delivery); even a small change in behavior, triggered by raising awareness (think education, training, and public awareness campaigns), can be crucial. With this premise, we continue our fight.
You too, dear readers, are part of this ongoing struggle. Whether as a patron or volunteer, as a visitor to the anniversary market (25 years of SUST at Zurich Main Station) or as a listener of the podcast, your interest helps spread our message and makes our actions visible.
Without your support, we would not be able to repeatedly uncover misconduct and eliminate abuses.
And most importantly, to improve the situation for many suffering animals on site. For this, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Constant dripping wears away the stone, and we at SUST give our best every day to achieve the greatest results for the weakest, even in small ways.
Dr. med. vet. Janina Werner Heer
Member of the Board of Trustees
Dear animal lovers, dear supporters
My closing words and heartfelt thanks go equally to all supporters of our animal welfare work: I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this incredible anniversary year!
I look back on a fantastic 2025 – full of encounters, new projects, intense moments, and a great deal of heart for animal welfare. And above all, I look back with deep gratitude.
Together with you we were able to achieve so much:
– We launched the «Homeless» podcast
– We organized an animal welfare market at Zurich's main train station, which brought together various animal welfare organizations on our birthday and was able to educate countless people about sustainable animal welfare.
– We have received countless congratulations from partners and prominent supporters
– We have launched our new website
…and all this alongside an already jam-packed daily routine in animal welfare, which knows no standstill.
None of this would have been possible without all of you. Without your support, your time, your donations, your ideas, your voice – and your trust.
Thank you to all animal lovers, supporters, helpers, partners and companions who have made this anniversary year so special!
We continue with great motivation, courage and heart – for the animals who need us.
And with you by our side.
Susy Utzinger
Managing director
When we think about animal welfare, our thoughts often wander to faraway lands. But we often forget that not all animals in Switzerland lead a sheltered life on the sofa. Around 1,8 million cats live in our country – and not all of them are lucky enough to be cared for.
Thanks to your generous support, we were able to make a strong statement for "SUST Cat Rescue Switzerland" this year. Your donation enabled us to look directly at where suffering occurs in secret. With our "CatForce" program, we were able to actively curb the uncontrolled breeding of feral cats and (partially) fund over a thousand neutering procedures to prevent future misery. Likewise, through our "Sorgentierli CH" project, cats on farms, often tolerated only as mousers, finally received the medical treatment they deserved.
Particularly moving were the cases of «SaveMyLife», where we performed life-saving interventions for injured people.
They were able to pay for animals that would otherwise have been euthanized, simply because no one could afford the costs.
As a member of the foundation's board, it makes me proud to see what we are achieving together here in our homeland. They have not
I looked the other way. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Philippe Kayasseh
President of the Board of Trustees
The year 2024 was marked by significant progress and challenges for the Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare. Thanks to the tireless support of our donors and the dedicated work of our [unclear] We were able to successfully complete numerous projects with our employees. implement. An outstanding example is the castration campaign in Mangalia, Romania, where in November within An impressive 610 animals were professionally processed over seven days.were triled. This measure makes a lasting contribution to reducing animal suffering and shows how effective our joint efforts.
We are also committed to animal welfare in Switzerland. For example, with targeted awareness campaigns such as the Through the initiative "Your Like, His Suffering," we raised awareness among the population.population for the effects of animal suffering in societymedia. And did you know that Switzerland still Does have a stray animal problem? That's why we conducted a nationwide survey. Castration campaigns are being carried out to reduce the overpopulation of cats.to contain zen and thus prevent future to prevent animal suffering.
A particular highlight was the SUST Christmas truck, who was traveling in December to help homeless animals in Swiss animal shelters gifts in the form of food and to bring materials. This action did not only bring joy. not only did it benefit animal shelters, but it also relieved them financially.
These and many other successes would not have been possible without your generous support.Providing further support was not possible. Thank you. Thank you for your trust and commitment. Together We will do everything in our power next year to ensure that... To sustainably improve the lives of many animals.
With grateful regards Ursula Gabriel
Member of the Board of Trustees
The past year, 2024, was marked by armed conflicts. Politicians often spoke of international humanitarian law and the protection of the civilian population.
Animal welfare organizations like the Susy Utzinger Foundation tried to help animals in war zones as best they could: through direct support on site, through emergency aid at the Ukrainian border, and through support and accompaniment of refugee animal owners in Switzerland.
Do animals have rights in war? Is there a wartime animal law or a wartime animal protection law? Domestic animals are just as vulnerable to attacks in war as humans.
They are injured and psychologically traumatized. Farm animals are often confined to their barns and are injured or killed by gunfire. Wild animals are disturbed during their breeding season and flee from contested areas, disrupting the ecological balance. Zoo animals, finally, are trapped in their enclosures, unable to escape, and often no longer receive adequate food.
In 1978, UNESCO proclaimed the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Animals in Paris, stating that "all animals have the same right to exist within the framework of the biological balance." The text was revised in 1989 by the International League for Animal Rights and submitted to the Director-General of UNESCO in 1990. The declaration is still in force.
In 2018, the Global Animal Law Association (GAL) drafted a UN Convention on Animal Health and Welfare (UN-CAHP), which aims to establish fundamental principles and measures for the protection of animals. However, the draft has not yet been implemented.
In recent years, the Council of Europe has drafted various conventions for the protection of animals, but none of them deal with the protection of animals in armed conflicts.
The Max Planck Society noted rather resignedly in its 2022 research report: "Despite the particular vulnerability of animals in times of war, their protection is not provided for in international humanitarian law (IHR). This is understandable, since animals are killed en masse even in peacetime, and people in war require special care."
In 2022, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAWE) issued specific demands for the protection of animals in war, including calls for expedited procedures for the cross-border transport of domestic and farm animals during conflicts, the inclusion of domestic and farm animals in plans for the accommodation and care of refugees, and the provision of adequate resources such as animal feed, water, and veterinary care at border crossings. Above all, the deliberate and malicious harming of animals in war should be recognized as a war crime.
Dr. iur. Ueli Vogel-Etienne
Member of the Board of Trustees
Don't be afraid of the truth.
The SUST is known for not only addressing animal welfare issues but also tackling them head-on. Its aim is not to expose or personally denounce individuals or organizations, but rather to prevent the resulting animal suffering.
Rarely is greed for profit the primary motivation among those at fault; rather, it is misguided love for animals or ignorance.
Despite all the awareness campaigns, there is still a lot of unscrupulous activity in the dog import sector, and not just with puppies. Not every dog from abroad is suitable for a new life in the tightly regulated Swiss system; behavioral and handling problems are practically guaranteed. Of course, it's noble to give a stray from abroad a second chance, but one should consider in advance what needs the new family member has and what kind of stress...
The wealth of experience it brings with it. This requires not only the new owners to engage more deeply with their potential four-legged offspring, but also places obligations on the organizations carrying out the import. It is their responsibility to conduct the necessary preliminary assessments regarding the animal's needs, health, and socialization, and it is also their duty to inform the future owners and closely support them, at least during the initial phase. Unfortunately, very few do this.
In its animal trade report, the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) asked various animal welfare organizations about their standards and guidelines. Not all of them saw this as an opportunity to examine their approach to this issue and correct any potential shortcomings. On the contrary, instead of critically reviewing their own activities and thereby optimizing animal welfare, some animal welfare organizations used a court order to muzzle the SUST, and the first report had to be taken offline.
Now it's your turn to take action. If you're considering actively or passively supporting animal welfare and an animal welfare organization, verify the organization's legitimacy. Ask about their guidelines, examine their procedures for importing animals, and only choose organizations that can and are willing to provide transparent information about their standards. The new animal trade report with checklist from SUST will help you avoid falling prey to unscrupulous organizations and also lists those that already meet high standards.
We and our partners are not afraid of the truth; we uncover it and denounce abuses for the benefit of animals.
Dr. med. vet. Janina Werner Heer
Member of the Board of Trustees
Anyone who loves and appreciates animals knows: They are an enormous They enrich our lives. through difficult times by showing us their supportto show unconditional affection, not to judge each other and always faithfully by our side. No wonder, then, that our wish comes true. For many people, acquiring a pet is a significant event. A long-cherished dream. But before one can commit to this importantWhen deciding to take the next step, it is of great importance to consider theThe response that accompanies this is to be fully considered.ken. Besides the often time-consuming care and support of a Tiers, it is especially the monetary cost that often is underestimated. A visit to a regular veterinarianIn practice, pet owners with limited means can quickly face financial hardship.will be a constant challenge. And even if it's just a matter of time...The point at which the animal was acquired was the economic situation If keeping animals is permitted, this can change from one day to the next. change others.
So that pets can be examined by a veterinarian Susy Utzinger offers an alternative that is not denied due to lack of money. Foundation for Animal Welfare at various locations in the Switzerland offers heavily discounted veterinary consultations for medium-sized businesses.loose pet owners and connects with their social work for animals (in short: SOFT) a sad gap in Switzerland.
But we are not only continuously active in Switzerland. Active: Also our numerous projects in other countries do not allow us to sit back or relax We cannot rest on our laurels. We fight tirelessly for animals. in times of need and against animal suffering worldwide. We can But do not fight this battle alone. Please support us. Tell us: We and the animals need you!
Susy Utzinger
Managing director
An eventful year is drawing to a close – a year full ofmany challenges, but also full of successes that were not possible without them Your help would not have been possible. Thanks to your greatThanks to swift support, we were able to help countless animals in need. to help, be it by rescuing abused and fromAnimals introduced to the population, through castration programs for controlmediation of animal suffering or through the operation of our animal shelterssenhospitals.
Particularly disturbing are cases of animal hoarding, where animals are kept under catastrophic conditionsten will be. Thanks to our efforts and your support We were able to rescue and provide medical care for many of these animals. and accompany them into a new, better life. Such missions are emotional, require a quick response and a lot of expertiseKnowing this makes your help all the more valuable, as it enables these rescues. makes possible.
Another key element of our work is the casteration of animals, because sustainable animal welfare begins there, where animal suffering is prevented. Through targeted castration programs.With grams we were able to contain uncontrolled reproductionmen and, in the long term, reduce the suffering of unwanted animalsadorn. Every neutered animal means less suffering for the Streets and overcrowded animal shelters – a success we We could only achieve this thanks to your support.
Last year's reports clearly demonstrate, how urgently our work is needed and how many We were able to save animal lives together. Projects like the Support for animal shelters, winter aid for streetsanimals or the medical care of seriously injured people Animals could not have been created without you.
For this trust, this loyalty, and this great We would like to thank you most sincerely for your support.
Let us continue to work together in the coming year.fight for those who depend on our help .
With deepest gratitude and warmest regards
Philippe Kayasseh
President of the Board of Trustees
Dear friends and supporters of the Susy Utzinger Foundation
Another year is drawing to a close, and it is time to look back on the shared successes and progress we have been able to achieve thanks to your generous support. SUST remains proud to have made a significant contribution to animal welfare, and we would like to thank you all most sincerely for your continued dedication and solidarity.
Our mission to promote animal welfare and give them a voice is reflected in all our efforts. Through medical care, education, and active community projects, we have achieved a lasting impact on the lives of animals and their human companions.
Last year, many animal shelters and pet owners in Switzerland were pushed to their limits by animal surrenders and inflation. Your help allows us to run projects like Social Work for Animals (SOFT), Fill Your Bowl, and Emergency Food Aid, providing quick and uncomplicated support.
We will continue to pursue our mission and face new challenges in the coming year. Your support is invaluable, and we are grateful that we can accomplish this important work together.
Let us look optimistically to the future, where we continue to make a difference and sustainably improve the lives of animals. The Susy Utzinger Foundation is proud to have you by our side.
With warmest regards and many thanks for your trust.
Only where it says SUST, is there actually SUST inside.
Animal welfare is practiced under many different names. Not all providers have the same quality standards.
Unfortunately, there are very few regulations regarding animal welfare abroad and the import of pets. These include the requirement that the animal is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, has a pet passport, and has cleared customs. Even these requirements can be circumvented by using unofficial channels. Health checks, neutering/spaying, and even simple temperament tests to determine if life in a different environment is feasible are optional and not standard practice for all organizations. Careful observation and persistent questioning when uncertain will help clarify whether an organization operates transparently and provides adequate information.
Importing as many street dogs as possible into Switzerland from abroad under the guise of active animal welfare helps no one. These animals mostly live in groups and are only accustomed to this way of life. They are unfamiliar with enclosed spaces, are not socialized with people or children, and are unfamiliar with many environmental stimuli such as trains, busy roads, or city life. If these animals are then confronted with these things unprepared, behavioral problems and other issues are almost inevitable.
Often, the animals arrive with illnesses that may not be apparent, let alone known, at the time of entry, but which are activated by the stress of transport and become clinically apparent. The new owners must first take the animals to the vet, followed by costly tests and, in the best-case scenario, a lengthy course of treatment. It can also happen that the animals are terminally ill and pose a challenge for their new owners not only psychologically but also physically.
At SUST, we have consciously decided against importing street animals. Our primary goal is to provide these animals with a better life in their local communities. The four pillars we apply form the foundation for sound animal welfare. Because only where you see the SUST name is there truly SUST – our values, our expertise, our passion.
Animal welfare in the European Union
"Located in the heart of the European continent, Switzerland maintains intensive political, economic, and cultural exchange with the European Union (EU) and its member states," writes the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on its website. Cooperation with the EU has been a focus of Swiss politics for years. Regardless of whether Switzerland joins the EU or not, one thing is already true: the European Union (EU) and Switzerland are very closely linked economically.
But what about animal welfare in the EU? Not bad at all! "The European Union is considered a pioneer in animal welfare and has some of the best animal welfare standards in the world," the EU Parliament asserts, not without a touch of immodesty.
The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, first concluded in 1957, states: "In defining and implementing the Union's policies in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research, technological development and space, the Union and the Member States shall take full account of the welfare requirements of animals as sentient beings."
As early as the mid-70s, the then members of the Council of Europe signed a European convention for the protection of animals kept in agricultural settings. It states: "Every animal must be housed, fed and cared for according to its physiological and ethological needs, taking into account its species and its stage of development, adaptation and domestication, based on established experience and scientific knowledge."
In 1987, a European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals was adopted, which Switzerland also signed. In 2004, the Council of Europe issued a regulation on the protection of animals during transport. A further directive of September 22, 2010, concerning the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, states: "The welfare of animals is a value of the Union." So, the EU certainly doesn't lack goodwill!
Dear animal lovers
Time seems to fly in animal welfare as well: It feels like just yesterday we were carrying out our last missions, and now we're already planning for the new animal welfare year. 2024 will again see many animal welfare missions, the management of the 7 SUST animal orphan hospitals, and the support of our Swiss partner animal shelters.
We have summarized our achievements for 2023 in this annual report, and we are all proud to present it to you. It is incredible what we were able to accomplish again this year for animals in need.
All of this was and is possible thanks to your support – and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Dear patrons,
I would like to express my deepest gratitude. Your generosity and support enable us to work in areas that would be inconceivable without you. In a world that is quick to forget or suppress past crises, the ongoing suffering of people and animals reminds us how vital our collective work is.
The effects of the war and its consequences are far-reaching and palpable, especially for the domestic, farm, and street animals left behind in Ukraine. Thanks to your help, we can provide long-term support during these difficult times. By rebuilding partner animal shelters and funding food deliveries for numerous Ukrainian animal welfare organizations, we continue to work together to alleviate suffering.
But even in Switzerland, it's often overlooked that both animals and people urgently need our support. One area where your contribution is indispensable is the SUST's social work for animals. Many people in Switzerland affected by poverty, who have their animal as their only companion, face enormous challenges. With your help, we can support these people and their animals by funding veterinary care, parasite treatments, and neutering to prevent unwanted litters. This commitment addresses a problem that receives too little attention in our society and demonstrates once again how essential your support is.
These two examples illustrate how your commitment and donations enable us to continuously make a significant difference in the lives of countless animals and people. For all of this, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your trust in our work honors me and motivates us every day to continue our efforts.
With sincere thanks and best wishes,
Yours sincerely, Philippe Kayasseh
President of the Board of Trustees
