Hakol Chai Celebrates an Historic Moment

PRESS RELEASE

Hakol Chai celebrates an historic moment: the establishment of an animal protection caucus in the Knesset, lead by MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima). Today: first meeting on the municipal pounds

28 November 2006, Tel Aviv

Tali Lavie, Spokesperson for Hakol Chai

For the first time in Israel – an animal protection caucus in the Knesset. After being approached by Hakol Chai, an organization for the protection of animals and the promotion of humane education, MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) decided to take the important role of leading an animal protection caucus and initiating new steps in this area.

Hakol Chai: "It is unfortunate that up to this day there has hardly been any parliamentary activity in the important area of protecting animals from serious abuse. Animals in Israel remain exposed to different types of cruelty, unparalleled in other developed countries. We very much appreciate MK Hasson's initiative and believe that the caucus under his leadership will act vigorously for animals and will lead to wide ranging activities in the fields of legislation and enforcement." So far, MKs Dov Hanin (Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) and Moshe Kahlon (Likud) have joined the caucus.

The first meeting of the caucus, held today (Tuesday) at noon, dealt with the issue of municipal pounds. The meeting started with an address from MK Yoel Hasson, who established the caucus, and blessings from Hakol Chai's director, Adv. Yadin Elam, who also suggested this topic for discussion. In addition, lectures were given by professionals from the field of municipal veterinary medicine, representatives from the relevant governmental ministries spoke, and volunteers in municipal pounds presented a sad picture of the day-to-day work at the pounds.

Hakol Chai: "Unfortunately, many companion animals find themselves in municipal pounds. Animal lovers would like to believe that the treatment the helpless animals receive is at least reasonable and humane. In practice, the reality faced by the animals who find themselves in municipal pounds is extremely harsh. When we at Hakol Chai became aware of the conditions in which the dogs and cats are kept in those pounds, we were horrified to discover that puppies were held on freezing nights on cold concrete, completely exposed. Many of the dogs are doomed to live in an overcrowded space until their predictable death. There are municipal authorities who are unable to offer any assistance to cats who need it. In other cases, the conditions at the pounds are reasonable, but the staff treatment is problematic."

These days, regulations on keeping animals are being drafted and, after a difficult struggle, it was decided to apply them to the municipal pounds, which appears to be a step in the right direction, although not entirely satisfactory.

For further details, please contact

Tali Lavie, spokesperson for Hakol Chai

03-6243242, 054-7709986