Switzerland braces for new heatwave; Swiss town orders owners to clean up their dog pee; and more news in our Friday roundup.
The next heatwave already on its way to Switzerland
After a few ‘cooler’ days, with temps in the mid to high-20s, the next heatwave is already approaching in Switzerland.
Though much-needed rain is expected over the weekend, afterwards, temperatures could rise again to 35C, meteorologists say.
Swiss municipality mandates owners to rinse their dog’s urine off the street
Dog poop bags have become standard equipment for dog owners walking their pets. But now, the Ticino border town of Chiasso is going a step further and requiring dog owners to also “neutralise” their pets’ urine “by immediately pouring a sufficient amount of water over the affected area to clean it.”
It is the first and only Swiss town to enact such legislation.
According to the ordinance, dog owners are required to carry a small bottle or another suitable container of water with them at all times while walking their pets.
Owners who are caught not complying will be slapped with a fine of up to 100 francs.
Switzerland’s lakes and rivers claim 15 lives in a month
At least 15 people have died in swimming accidents in the past 30 days, according to the Swiss Lifesaving Society.
Drowning statistics show a particularly high incidence among both young adults aged 17 to 32 and people aged 65 and over.
While risky behaviour plays a significant role among young adults, health factors come into play for older individuals.
READ MORE: How to stay safe when swimming in Switzerland’s lakes and rivers this summer
Basel farmers launch crowdfunding campaign to buy hay for their cows
Due to the drought, some farmers in Switzerland are running out of hay.
One farm in Basel-Country, for instance, is now raising money online to purchase hay from farms not as affected by dry weather, which don’t have their own livestock to feed. However, given the high demand , the price is skyrocketing.”
The farmers aim to raise 3,500 francs so they don’t have to slaughter any cows due to a lack of feed.
