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Switzerland Won't Reward Farmers That Let Cows Keep Their Horns

Switzerland Won't Reward Farmers That Let Cows Keep Their Horns

(Bloomberg) -- The Swiss decided against granting state subsidies to farmers who don’t de-horn their livestock.

The “Horned Cow” initiative was rejected by 54.7 percent of voters on Sunday, according to official statistics. A poll for national broadcaster SRG published earlier this month had shown supporters with a small lead.

Switzerland Won't Reward Farmers That Let Cows Keep Their Horns

The popular initiative was proposed by Armin Capaul, an anti-establishment protester-turned farmer, who opposes the practice of de-horning, saying its painful for cows and goats. Opponents, including the government, argued horned animals are a health and safety risk.

The majority of cows in Switzerland have had their horns removed.

To contact the reporter on this story: Catherine Bosley in Zurich at cbosley1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Fergal O'Brien at fobrien@bloomberg.net, Jan Dahinten

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