The two books presented here have more in common than one might think at first glance. On the one hand, there is the comprehensive commentary on the Animal Welfare Act, which was compiled by the TIR team in collaboration with numerous authors; on the other, there is the children’s book *Wow Tim!*, which deals with children’s fear of dogs and how to overcome it. Both works explore the human-animal relationship in different ways and demonstrate the importance of knowledge, understanding and treating animals with respect.

Even non-lawyers who venture to read the commentary will find that the introductory section provides an accessible introduction to the subject matter. It offers an overview of the fundamental principles of animal welfare law and highlights how different approaches – ranging from ethical, through pathocentric, to biocentric animal welfare – have evolved. The historical development of animal welfare law in Switzerland is also given much attention. It is shown that animal welfare was the Responsivität of the cantons until 1973, when comprehensive federal powers to regulate animal welfare came into force.

It also becomes clear that the idea of protecting animals for their own sake has only increasingly found its way into legislation in recent decades. The introduction to animal ethics by Nico Müller, Angela Martin and Markus Wild also takes a critical look at current Swiss animal welfare legislation, in which human interests in the use of animals continue to be prioritised. In this context, the authors highlight the need for animal welfare to have greater political visibility.

This commentary thus fills an important gap and provides a valuable resource not only for legal professionals, but also for those working for public authorities, the prison service, academia and anyone with an interest in animal welfare. It is to be hoped that the legal and ethical principles set out therein will help to ensure that animals in the prison system are indeed recognised more fully as independent beings deserving of protection.

The children’s book "Wow Tim!" by Diana Baur, with its lovely illustrations by Sernur Işık Bolaños, also deals with ethical animal welfare in the broader sense.

The book shows how a misunderstanding can lead to a fear of dogs and how this fear can be overcome through empathy and positive experiences. At the same time, it aims to reduce inappropriate behaviour towards dogs and promote a mindful approach. The story teaches children that fears can arise on both sides and that, despite their differences, humans and dogs have more in common than one might initially imagine. In doing so, it playfully addresses self-awareness, empathy and how to deal with uncertainty.

However different the two books may be, they both make it clear that animal welfare begins with knowledge and understanding, and that a respectful relationship between humans and animals can be fostered from an early age.

The “Commentary on the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG)” is available from our TIR Shop, and the children’s book “Wow Tim!” is available in bookshops. Both works can also be viewed at the TIR Library during opening hours, subject to prior booking, where reading and study areas are available.

The latest additions to the TIR Library are featured in the TIR Library newsletter (link to follow).