Obedience School for Pet Owners

Think mandatory spay/neuter laws are onerous? In Switzerland pet owners may have to take a class or two and pass a test to own a dog.

Animal lovers will have to sit an examination and undergo a practical test under rules to be introduced in September.

Initially, owners will have two years to follow courses on animal care but by 2010 it will be necessary to pass the theory exam in order to keep any kind of dog, from a Chihuahua to an Irish wolfhound.