The Knesset Law Committee approved on Tuesday new animal protection regulations
– leading to stricter enforcement against people who abuse their pets and
livestock.
Instead of having to file lawsuits against abusers, the new
regulations enable Wildlife Protection inspectors from the Agriculture Ministry
to immediately fine people who mistreat their animals.
The Animal
Protection Law, passed in 1994, outlines the minimum conditions in which animals
must be kept, the criminal offenses on which abusers can be prosecuted and
maximum penalties that can be placed against transgressors of the
law.
According to the law, all monies received from fines are put into a
special fund dedicated to advancing education, information, training and
assistance to animal protection organizations.
The new regulations state
that the fine for not providing adequate food or water for a pet is NIS 1,000;
the fine for keeping a pet in an unsuitable living condition is NIS 750; and the
fine for cutting a pet’s ears or tail is NIS 4,000.
Those who keep or
transport livestock in unsuitable conditions are also subject to fines – ranging
from NIS 1,000 for failure to provide adequate food or water, to NIS 3,500 for
failure to provide adequate shelter.
The livestock regulations are an
especially effective deterrent because the number of livestock in the owner’s
possession multiplies the fine.
Recently appointed Agriculture Minister,
Orit Noked, said “The approval of the new regulations is a major achievement for
animal welfare. I plan to instruct Wildlife Protection inspectors to use the
regulations wisely and effectively in order to ensure that animals enjoy maximum
protection – and make sure that anyone who dares to harm them is severely
punished.”
Dr. Dganit Ben-Dov, of the Agriculture Ministry Veterinary
Services Department, praised the new policy’s efficiency.
“From now on it
will be quicker and easier to punish people who transgress the Animal Protection
Law – without having to take them to court – ensuring assured punishment through
their pocket,” he said.
The new fines will go into effect in 30 days.
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