Switzerland, a country which outlaws flushing goldfishes down the toilet, is set to make another breakthrough in animal rights — its residents will vote on Sunday to introduce special lawyers for animal rights.

The animal welfare attorneys will oversee the implementation of the animal rights law, which came into force on September 1, 2008. They will be entitled to initiate and investigate animal cruelty cases.

The law lays down strict regulations on how animals should be kept. For example, parrots, guinea pigs and hamsters should be kept in pairs, while horses, llamas and goats should have an opportunity to socialize or at least have "a visual contact" with other animals of their kind.

Under this law people, who are tired of their pet fish cannot simply send the living creature down the toilet bowl. The law states that the fish must first be knocked out unconscious and only then killed. Then its body should be disposed of properly.

Offenders might face a fine of up to 20,000 Swiss francs (about $20,000), or even a prison term.

So far, only one Swiss canton, Zurich, made representation in animal cruelty cases compulsory. Zurich is also home to the country's only pet lawyer.

PARIS, March 7 (RIA Novosti)