Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to ban factory farming in a referendum on whether the wealthy country's strict animal welfare laws need to be tightened further.
The proposal, put to a referendum under the Swiss system of direct democracy two weeks ago, aimed to make protecting the dignity of farm animals such as cattle, chickens and pigs a constitutional requirement.
The government's VoteInfo App showed of 62.86% of votes were against the proposal.
The proposal would have required the government to set stricter rules for caring for animals, including giving them access to the outdoors, and for slaughtering them.
The requirements would also have covered imported animals and animal products.
The government recommended against the proposal, saying such changes would breach trade accords, increase investment and operating costs, and boost food prices.
The vote comes as debate continues in the EU around the live transport of farm animals, especially young calves.
Ireland currently exports live calves to a number of countries for the veal industry.
Live exports are controversial around the world and New Zealand's parliament recently voted to ban live exports of farm animals for breeding purposes from the end of April next year. It already has a ban on live exports for slaughter.
Two years ago, a cattle transport ship from New Zealand to China sank near the Japanese island of Okinawa, with the death of 41 crew members and 5,900 cattle.
Additional reporting: Joe Mag Raollaigh
