Swiss investigation finds 21 dogs unnecessarily euthanized in Ramiswil animal neglect case
An external investigation into the Ramiswil animal welfare scandal has concluded that 21 of the 122 dogs euthanized in November 2025 did not need to die, citing a lack of differentiated triage by the Solothurn veterinary service.
Background
In November 2025, the Solothurn veterinary service raided a farm in Ramiswil and confiscated 122 dogs, 43 horses, and two goats. The animals were found in severe neglect, with dogs bearing wounds and horses standing in excrement. All 122 dogs were euthanized on site, while 32 horses were later auctioned and the remaining animals rehomed. The case drew nationwide criticism, with animal protection groups questioning whether the mass euthanasia was necessary.
Investigation findings
The canton commissioned an external investigation by law firm Kellerhals Carrard. The report, presented on 3 July 2026, found that 99 of the dogs were correctly identified as livestock guardian dogs that could not be rehomed or repurposed, making euthanasia the right decision. However, for 21 dogs, no sufficiently differentiated triage was carried out, meaning alternatives to killing likely existed. The report also concluded that the escalation was not due to a single error but to a combination of factors: too much administrative focus, insufficient risk awareness, and excessive trust in the animal owner, who repeatedly deceived the veterinary service.
Official response
Regierungsrätin Sibylle Jeker, head of the Department of Economic Affairs, stressed that the report would be thoroughly analysed in the coming weeks and months to prevent a recurrence. The report nonetheless attested that the veterinary service handled the case with great commitment and a focus on animal welfare, describing it as an exceptionally challenging situation.Something like this must never happen again.
Next steps
A criminal investigation is underway against the 57-year-old animal owner. The canton has pledged to implement the report's recommendations to improve risk assessment and reduce administrative hurdles in future animal welfare cases.
- Veterinary service confiscates 122 dogs, 43 horses, and 2 goats; all dogs euthanized on site.
- External investigation report presented, finding 21 dogs were unnecessarily killed.
