The present Act applies to vertebrates. The Federal Council decides to which invertebrates it applies and to what extent. In doing so, it is guided by scientific knowledge on the sentience of invertebrate animals.
The following are reserved: the Hunting Act of 20 June 19861, the Federal Act of 1 July 19662on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage, the Federal Act of 21 June 19913on Fishing, the Vocational and Professional Training and Education Act of 13 December 20024and the Epizootic Diseases Act of 1 July 19665.