Cows With or Without Horns? Swiss Put It to the Vote

Cows With or Without Horns? Swiss Put It to the Vote
Claudia, wife of Armin Capaul the horned cow initiative founder, cleans a cow ahead of a national vote on Nov. 25, at the Valengiron farm in Perrefitte, Switzerland, on Nov. 15, 2018. Reuters/Denis Balibouse
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PERREFITTE, Switzerland—Switzerland votes this Sunday on an issue of national importance that has divided the Alpine country—whether to subsidize farmers who let their cows’ and goats’ horns grow naturally.

The referendum on preserving the “dignity of livestock” was initiated by farmer Armin Capaul, 66, a self-described rebel. He says that “listening” to his cows inspired his nine-year campaign for cash to fund the extra grazing space horned animals need and which he hopes will reduce dehorning.