BREAKING NEWS

Environment Ministry closes polluting pig farm

Following a closure order due to land and water contamination as well as odor nuisances, the government has shut down the Araf family piggery in the Western Galilee council of Mi'ilya.
In August, inspectors from the Environmental Protection Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, the Tax Authority, the Israel Police, the Israel Electric Corporation and the Interior Ministry had jointly conducted a raid of the facility, where about 4,000 pigs were said to be living in abusive conditions. At the farm, pig carcasses strewn with sludge were polluting the surrounding area, the Environmental Ministry said.
After courts ordered the closure of the piggery, but the farm owners failed to comply, Environment Ministry inspectors collected a daily fine from them of NIS 3,000 for their refusal.
"The closure of the piggery is proof that when law enforcement agencies desire, it is possible to make significant achievements," said Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan. "Behind the closed business was a place with constant animal abuse and a major source of air, land and water pollution."