Swiss referendum: Do animals need lawyers? 

A referendum is due to be held in Switzerland -- to decide whether domesticated creatures have the right to be represented in court by lawyers.

In March voters will choose whether pets and farmyard animals should have dedicated lawyers to protect them from abuse.

The move comes after a constitutional change in Switzerland to protect the "dignity" of plant life and could see each area of the country appoint an animal lawyer.

Some argue the move is needed to stand up for the rights of the creatures - from guinea pigs to chickens - which cannot protect themselves.

But can you imagine being the lawyer for a goldfish -- you would have to keep summing up your case every seven seconds.