An animal law expert from Switzerland is challenging Australia to give animals legal representation in court.

Antoine Goetschel is on a speaking tour hosted by the animal rights group Voiceless.

He's credited with getting animals recognised in the Swiss constitution and for the ban on caged eggs and sow stalls for pregnant pigs.

Mr Goetschel says Australia's welfare standards lag behind many other countries, particularly in Europe.

"Animals (in Australia) are still looked at as simple objects.

"We changed that in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland.

"It (Australian animal) has no dignity, it has no attorneys, to give animals a voice in criminal cases."

But Australian Pork Limited says over half of Australia's pigs are now produced without sow stalls (the narrow pens used during pregnancy).

Andrew Spencer says the sponsors of Mr Goetschel's visit, Voiceless, have not supported the pig industry's efforts.

"Mr Goetschel has a little bit more homework to do.

"The Australian pork industry is leading the world in consumer-based animal welfare progressive initiatives.

"We are the only industry in the world that has voluntarily committed to phase out the use of sow stalls."