But it is illegal to sell.
Quoted from Tier Im Recht Transparent, chapter 2.1.13 'Darf Heimtiere gegessen werden?", page 82.
(Sorry I couldn't find an online link.)
"Ein ausdrückliches gesetzliches Verbot für den Verzehr von Heimtierfleisch gibt es nicht."
Roughly: there is no specific law banning eating a pet animal.
But, the slaughter and trade of animals is regulated under the various food laws, and in contrast to all the other animals listed as allowable, dogs, cats, rodents and monkeys are not on the list. Therefore:
"Das Fleisch von Heimtieren darf höchstens für den Eigengebrauch verwendet, jedoch weder verkauft noch unentgeldlich abgegeben, angepriesen oder gelagert werden. Der eigen gebrauch beschränkt sich dabei auf die sogenannte Kernfamilie, das heisst auf die im selben Haushalt lebenden Familienangenhörigen. Bereits die Abgabe von Heimtierfleisch an weitere Verwandte Freunde usw. oder eine Einladung zu so einem "Festmahl" ist verboten."
Roughly: Eating pets is at most allowable for one's own use, however meat from pet animials may not be sold, given away free, advertised, or stored. Own use is limited to the nuclear family, that means, to people living in the same household. The delivery of pet meat to friends or relatives, or invitation to a 'feast' is forbidden.
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In principle, Swiss Animal Welfare Laws do not protect the life of an animal, but rather the welfare of that animal during it's lifetime. An animal must be kept free from pain, from suffering, from fear, from injury while alive - but unless a protected species, an animal may (in general) be killed provided one follows the laws preventing unnecessary suffering.
I would suggest anyone with further questions contact:
ETA: Further reading from Swissmedic:
http://www.swissmedic.ch/suchen/inde...Suchen&lang=de
Click on the first article 'Nutztiere/Heimtiere' for the .pdf
"Zur Lebensmittelproduktion nicht zugelassen, namentlich Haustiere wie Hunde
und Katzen, Wildtiere wie Papageien und andere Psittaziden, exotische Vögel, Frettchen, Affen, Grosskatzen, die meisten Nagetiere, exotische Frösche, nicht essbare Fische etc."
Roughly: For food production not allowed: Pet animals such as dogs and cats, wild animals such as parrots and other Psittacines, exotic birds, ferrets, monkeys, big cats (lions, tigers, etc.), most rodents, exotic frogs, inedible fisch, etc.