A referendum on animal protection was held in Switzerland on 20 August 1893.

[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of prohibiting butchering without the animals being anaesthetised.

[1] The proposal was approved by 60.1% of voters and a narrow majority of cantons.

[1] The referendum was a popular initiative,[1] forced by the collection of 100,000 signatures.

[2] As it involved changing the constitution, a double majority of both votes and cantons was required for the proposal to pass.