Translation: Anat Priddy

Date: February 18, 2013

In the north of Israel, there are many stray dogs. Many of the dogs are miserable, suffer of daily hunger, dehydration, are subject to abuse, and more. An important rehabilitation educational center is making a difference not only to the animals, but also in many peoples’ lives.

Throughout Israel there are many miserable stray dogs. Many of the dogs are subject to abuse, neglect, daily hunger and more. In the Arab culture, the dog is considered an impure animal and therefore many Arab children do not know that a dog can be a friendly, wonderful pet. A wonderful educational program sponsored by LAL is making a difference in Sachnin and the area. Sachnin is located in the north of Israel. Dr. Trbavia is the manager of Ecology and Environmental Protection of the area. Dr. Trabavia along with the City of Sachnin, Sanitation Department management, Veterinarian Authority of Sachnin, “Noga” organization, Environmental Protection Department of Sachnin and LAL, a rehabilitation educational center for stray dogs has been built. The shelter houses 15 dogs that were rescued. Some of the dogs have been abused. The center welcomes Jewish and Arab visitors of different ages.

The visitors learn about the animals, the needs of stray dogs, the importance of feeling compassion towards them, the importance of not abusing them and so much more. Many of the Arab visitors learn about dogs, and even pet the dogs for the first time in their lives. Dogs are considered an impure animal and therefore many of the Arab children have been taught to develop negative feelings towards these animals. These children learn that dogs are intelligent, friendly animals that have feelings, physical and emotional needs.

The educational center was founded in 2007, in an open field that was full of olive trees. A kind farmer agreed to have animals stay in a center that was built on a part of his field. The animals were taken care of, rehabilitated, given medical attention that they needed. At the same time, farmers were taught about animals’ legal rights, as well as children of different ages in schools, kinder gardens, and more. As many as 10,000 Jewish and Arab children have been learning about the animals in this educational center since it was established in 2007.

The dog shelter houses 15 dogs. The dogs are taken care of by local volunteers, both Jewish and Arabs. The volunteers are committed to clean kennels, provide food and water for the animals, take the dogs out for a joyous walk, and take the animals to the vet if necessary. There are also adoption days and some of the dogs have found forever loving homes already. After the dogs have spent time in the dog shelter, they become very friendly and happy. Children who learn about the animals in the educational center come to the dog shelter, see the dogs, pet them and learn how friendly and wonderful the animals are.

The dog shelter and the educational shelter are managed by Mrs. Ruth May. Ruth May has always loved dogs and she has been teaching many children in the educational center. Teaching the future generation the importance of compassion towards the weak is very important and can have a lasting effect for life.

We, at LAL strongly believe that it is very important to teach the future generation compassion towards animals, especially nowadays, that number of reports of abused animals is growing. We thank Mrs. Ruth May and hope that the dog shelter will house even more dogs, that we will find more forever homes for more dogs, more dogs will be rescued, spayed and neutered and all children will love, help and feel compassion towards the animals. We are also proud that Jewish and Arab children get a chance to interact in our social educational center, develop friendship, and compassion towards each other in the midst of a political conflict between Jews and Arabs.

 For more details and visits:

rivamayer@letlive.org.il

For online tax-deductible (Israel, UK, USA)  easy-to-make donations:

www.letlive.org.il/eng/donate/

Please join  and “like” our FB page:

www.facebook.com/let.the.animals.live.Israel

and  our webpage

www.letlive.org.il/english

Proximity in Gallilee – “From Violence to Compassion

A Social-Educational Project to save  stray pets (dogs &cats)

Education is the key to understanding and bringing about change to our human society. Education is our only option to human partnership in bringing qualities such as  compassion  , protection of the weak,  in our case pet strays,  dogs & cats, exposed unprotected against cruelties and violence, with minimal know-how  of fair   human behavior to animals .

The Gallilee area has vast olive orchards ,agricultural areas as well as

Herd farms. The use of dogs in service to farmers as guards and herd leaders is well known and traditional, but as today’s  society experiences high violence rates, due to lack of other knowledge, as well as no feelings to  helpless creatures, very often abused strays are picked in fields as well as village streets.  In this case, no one is guilty, really, and it all is the outcome of non- awareness  to animal pain and suffering.

In the presence of distressed stray pets in Israel, in general, the need to act on behalf of the abused street animals , was born. Change does not come at once, but is a whole process needing persistence and belief in the way, and of course a most influencing factor such as finances is relevant , in order to achieve the  goals to bring about this  change.

“let Animals live” non-profit Animal Welfare Organization, following a long  and steady effort , on the issue of change of concept and behavior from violence to compassion towards animals , has succeeded in bringing about the

co-operation and partnership between “Noga” the foundation of the environment protection, and Sakhnin’s Towns Association of Environmental Quality, together with Sakhnin’s municipality, we built an Animal shelter, which is a kennel as well as education center.

This whole Social-Educational  Project inclines to minimize violence in general and toward animals, in specific.

The “From Violence to Compassion” project is intended for our future generation of youth, to be educated with values of  companionships between humans  between human and nature, human and animal and environment quality for all. The “From Violence to Compassion” Project covers the following activities:

Daily maintenance of our dog shelter, collection of hurt strays from the field,  medical and re-hab. care, adoption days, phone support, exposing the issue of spay and neuter (to minimize the stray animal population), coaching and education activities relating to stray animals in the various education frames, from kinder-garden age , to high school students, as well as youth, future leadership.

Vision :  Expanding  the awareness towards  pets, dogs and cats, Education  Understanding , bringing change of attitude from violence to  mercy and compassion, Areal Human Companionship Jews./ Arabs for the benefit of the whole area and its inhabitants.

Ruth May,

Let animals live /Galilee

]]> http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/special-projects/from-violence-to-compassion/1695/feed/ 0 http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/feral-cats-stray-dogs/animals-in-israel-basecamps-call-for-immediate-action/ http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/feral-cats-stray-dogs/animals-in-israel-basecamps-call-for-immediate-action/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:27:48 +0000 rivi http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/?p=1687 Continue Reading]]>  

Animals in Israel Basecamps-Call for Immediate Action!!!

January 23, 2013

Translation: Anat Priddy

Many stray dogs are struggling to survive in many Israeli military basecamps across the country, every day. Most of the dogs are suffering from mal-nutrition, are significantly underweight, are wounded and need medical help. In addition, the dogs are not spayed or neutered, thus their numbers are rapidly growing. Many of the puppies find their agonizing death early in life, as a result of weather conditions, lack of food and water.

Compassionate soldiers have been contacting LAL. However, LAL is not able to help most of the animals due to lack of resources. LAL has contacted IDF. Officials regarding the matter, and found the reply very disturbing and disappointing; IDF replied that the stray dogs do not belong to the army and therefore it is not their responsibility to provide any resources or care for these animals. The soldiers are instructed not to provide any food or water to the animals.

LAL found out that a mere 30,000 LIS (under US$10,000) per year is provided for treatment of soldiers who were bitten by stray animals. To compare, 50,000,000,000 LIS (US$ 13.5 billion dollars) is the military annual budget for Israel’s security.  

We, LAL, believe that the IDF must treat the animals humanely, take responsibility, spay and neuter the animals, cooperate with LAL and not instruct the soldiers not to feed the animals, thus let the dogs starve to death. There are approximately 400,000 stray dogs throughout the country, which the Israeli government has failed to provide the necessary funds to decrease their numbers and provide the medical and physical care that they need. Many are left in the streets to die an agonizing death. The dogs are trying to survive, desperately looking for food, and we, as a nation, must take responsibility, show compassion and not ignore. We call for an immediate action. Please join us.

PLEASE E-MAIL THE FOLLOWING:

General Benny Gantz, The Chief of Staff, IDF mapa@idf.gov.il

General Mordechai, IDF Spokesperson israelipr@mail.idf.il

Thank you.

Mrs. Eti Altman

Founder and Spokeslady

Let the animals live, ISRAEL

]]> http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/feral-cats-stray-dogs/animals-in-israel-basecamps-call-for-immediate-action/feed/ 2 http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/fight-against-animal-cruelty/let-the-animals-live-has-pressed-charges-against-merchants-from-the-animal-market-in-kfar-kasem/ http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/fight-against-animal-cruelty/let-the-animals-live-has-pressed-charges-against-merchants-from-the-animal-market-in-kfar-kasem/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:30:49 +0000 rivi http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/?p=1682 Continue Reading]]> January 2013

After the failure of enforcement by the Ministry of Agriculture

Let the Animals Live” has pressed charges against merchants from the animal market in Kfar Kasem

Let the Animals Live” has filed a complaint (January 16, 2013) against three main merchants in the Kfar Kasem animal market, following an extensive exposé by P.T.R.O.A that revealed extreme, brutal abuse of the animals in the market. Following the exposé the Knesset held a debate the Ministry of Agriculture inspectors, as well as the Minister of Agriculture herself, came to the market. However, the abuse continues

Following the systematic failure of the Ministry of Agriculture to enforce the animal protection law, “Let the Animals Live” calls all the political parties to make a pledge to transfer the responsibility of the animal protection law to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, no matter which coalition is formed

The animal market

Every Saturday a market takes place in Kfar Kasem, a part of which is dedicated to the selling of animals. The merchants come from all over the country: the merchants against whom the complaint was made are from north Tel-Aviv, Holon and Malkia. The “stock” is living, breathing animals: gods, cats, chickens, dove, quails, parrots and more

The animals are held in cruel and illegal conditions. They are being cooped up in extreme crowdedness – sometimes serving as a live mat covering the bottom of the cage or impromptu cardboard box in which they are kept. The cages are often too short – in a way which prevents the animals from standing up straight. Chicken are often tied by the feet without being able to move. The animals are exposed to loud noises and pestering passers-by. The cages lack the essentials, required by law, including hiding places or even water. Some of the animals are sick and injured, they receive no medical care, and some even die as a result

The exposé and the failure of enforcement

For over a year, since March 2011, P.T.R.O.A held an undercover investigation in the market, and assembled many hours of secret footage exposing the harsh conditions. In the spring of 2012 the investigation was made public and received wide spread attention. On May 23, 2012, the Knesset debated the matter and on June 6, 2012 the Knesset internal affairs committee debated it. On June 16, 2012 inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture arrived at the market for a well-televised inspection, and on July 7, 2012 the Minister of Agriculture herself visited the market

However, it has become clear from the investigation of the animal protection organizations that the enforcement actions of Ministry of Agriculture, so thoroughly covered by the media, did not put a stop to the systematic abuse

From the prosecution: “trading in animals is very different than trading in other merchandise. The transaction is not of sand bags, electrical appliances or boxes of fruit, but of live, sensitive creatures, which experience the world and are capable of joy and happiness, as well as suffering, pain, and distress. The privilege of trading in live animals, sensitive and with rights is not to be taken for granted, and surely it must be accompanied by certain duties. The merchant must provide the animals with suitable care and adequate living conditions, in order for the trade not to become cruel abuse 

Eti Altmen, “Let the Animals Live” spokesperson: “this is another example of the Ministry of Agriculture’s complete failure to enforce the animal protection law. The market takes place in public, every Saturday. All the evidence of the abuse has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, on a silver platter. The Minister of Agriculture could very well take publicity shots on the location – but not put a stop to the abuse. The law exists, but ultimately the only ones who enforce it are the animal protection organizations. I call upon all the political parties to commit to put a stop to this, and that, no matter which coalition is formed, the responsibility of the animal protection law is transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Environmental Protection  

Background: transferring the responsibility of the animal protection law to the Ministry of Environmental Protection

The Ministry of Agriculture has failed miserably is applying and enforcing the animal protection law, which has been under its authority for the past 18 years. The Ministry is at an inherent conflict of interests between its role to maximize agricultural output and its role to protect animals, including in agricultural farming. As a financial entity, the very concept of animal protection and the enforcement of the law on business owners is foreign to the Ministry of Agriculture

A committee headed by judge Zeiler concluded that all the failures of the Ministry of Agriculture prove that the purpose of the law is undermined

In the last Knesset a proposition was made by Knesset Member Alex Miller as well as other Knesset members from other political parties, to transfer the responsibility of the animal protection law from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The Ministers’ committee of legislation approved the proposition in a large majority. However, despite the fact that the proposition received wide spread support (including that of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice) the legislation process did not move forward due to an objection made by he Minister of Agriculture Orit Noked, which has yet to be debated due to the bringing forward of the elections

For further details

 Adv. Yossi Wolfson – 052-2598773

This is a letter that our Founder and Spokeswoman ,Ms. Eti Altman has sent to the IDF Chif of Staff:

Major General Benny Gantz – IDF Chief of General Staff

Re: urgent solution to the problem of stray dogs in IDF bases

Dear Sir

For several weeks now we have been receiving more and more frequent reports of stray dogs in IDF bases. Here at “Let the Animals Live” we are used to receive such reports, from civilians and soldiers asking us to help thin, sick and injured dogs wondering through IDF bases in search of food and shelter, and female dogs nursing suckling puppies while trying to hide from the cold

In the summer they die of thirst and in the winter freeze to death. We do the best we can to help these animals, but in the last few weeks the situation has become unbearable and drastically more difficult. From north to south we are being constantly swamped with calls to rescue dozens of dogs, mature and puppies, in IDF bases: Shivta, Kzi’ot, CampIshay, Kerem Shalom, Beit El, Bik’at Hayarden, IDF road blocks etc (see enclosed photos). One can only assume that there are many more similar situations that we do not receive reports of. During operation “Pillar of Defense” “Let the Animals Live” has rescued dozens of dogs from IDF bases in the south, all anxious and terrified from the sounds of the bombings

The situation cannot go on like this any longer. We have the responsibility to care for these helpless animals. Since the army forbids soldiers from feeding dogs – they simply starve to death in agony. Ignoring their existence is a gross injustice. We cannot and will not accept a solution of transferring the dogs to pounds and “putting them to sleep” – they too deserve a chance to find a home and a better life. I ask you in every possible way to consider the severity and urgency of the issue and to allocate funds to rescue the dogs and house them until homes are found. Furthermore, a large scale operation of neutering and spaying must be held in order to stop more animals from suffering needlessly

Sincerely

Eti Altman

“Let the Animals Live” spokesperson and co-founder

—Northern News—Northern news- Let Animals Live Project ” From Violence to Compassion ” alive, in the field……….

Let Animals Live/northern Branch is very happy to announce that we operate, as of beg. December 2012, from our new Dog Shelter, situated In the Industrial Area of Saknin, not far from DOHA Stadium, inside the Compound of Towns Association of Environmental Quality. This is a joint-venture of a positive beneficial partnership, on behalf of animal well-being, between “Let animals live” society, “Noga” Association of Environment Protection, Sakhnin, Sakhnin Municipality, and Sakhnin Towns Association of Environmental Quality, (From Violence to Compassion Project) . “Let Animals live” Asssociation, has built a dog kennel, which enables us to process the whole stage from Collecting abused strays, from the field – dispatch to the Vet for Medical care, as needed, Re-hab, in our small center, as well as daily maintenance and care for the beloved animals. We activate and maintain the place , with the help of devoted volunteers, and thanks to them our animals are benefiting of a daily walk, which is very much loved by the dogs. The big advantage of the area in which we are positioned, is that it is inside the local area, which we aim to bring about the re-education of transformation from violence to compassion. As the Building of Environmental quality has a teaching program to Elementary school students, we have scheduled instructions of one hour-Sessions to every class, which visits the site introducing children to a different approach to dogs and care for them. Remember : Education is the key ! 
Most needed Budgets, to enable educational activities .

See link below .

Ruth 
Let Animals live/Gallilee
PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AT THIS VIDEO SHOWING THE NEW SHELTER AT SACHNIN ARABIC VILLAGE (scroll down a bit till the link ) http://www.alarab.net/Article/504919

Translation: Anat Priddy

Date: December 18, 2012

The organization “Anonymus” along with “LAL” have jointly appealed a request from the Israeli Supreme court to shut down Tnuva’s   abattoir immediately, due to evidence of seriously mistreating the animals in the premises, a severe violation of animals’ rights. The footage aired on a very popular Israeli TV show, “Kolbotek”, on the most popular Israeli television channel, “arutz 2”.  The animals are represented by the two professional lawyers, Mr. Guy Nussan and Mr. Yossi Volfson.

The investigator Mr. Ronen Bar used a hidden camera, and worked in the abattoir for a whole month. Dr. Bida Johns, who represents Australia’s RSPCA, was watching the footage and condemned the treatment of the animals, along with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and the National Farmers’ Federation.

In the footage it showed animals that were constantly beaten, electrically shocked in all different parts of their entire bodies, stepped on, yelled at, and so much more. It also showed an injured cow being dragged along the floor by a rope tied to its leg and other cattle being moved as they bled to death. All the workers were constantly abusing the animals. The workers were instructed to treat the animals better when a representative from Australis comes to visit the premises. As soon as the Australian representative is leaving the premises, the workers are instructed to beat, torture, humiliate and shock all the animals, including injured and ill ones.

The Israeli former representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hagi Almagor said that he believes the abattoir must be shut down immediately, the managers of the premises must be brought to justice, and new regulations, rules, trained workers, supervisors, and managers must be present before the abattoir will be permitted to reopen.

 Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the incident made a mockery of the Australian federal government’s attempts to clean up the embattled industry of animal trade. He added that the live export trade does not have the support of the public and wasn’t in the nation’s interest. The Australian Greens’ animal welfare spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the government’s new live exports regulatory system had failed to protect animals sent abroad, and added that Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig could no longer pretend that the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) was working effectively. The export of animals from Australia to Israel is banned. More information can be found at http://banliveexports.com, http://www.animalsaustralia.org/israel, www.TnuvaCruelty.co.il.

]]> http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/advocacy-center/call-to-shut-down-tnuvas-abattoir-immediately/feed/ 0 http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/advocacy-center/animal-organizations-demand-justice-from-israels-fda/ http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/advocacy-center/animal-organizations-demand-justice-from-israels-fda/#comments Sun, 16 Dec 2012 22:11:12 +0000 rivi http://www.letlive.org.il/eng/?p=1645 Continue Reading]]> Animal Organizations Demand Justice from Israel’s FDA!

December 08, 2012

Translation: Anat Priddy

LAL has filed a law suit against Israel’s FDA. LAL claims that IL. FDA’s request to remove the rabbit’s symbol from the packages of products that are made by companies that choose not to use animals for experiments, is not justified, and should be, in fact, mandatory.

Using animals for experiments for cosmetics is banned in Israel; however, companies that perform these experiments outside of Israel are selling the products in Israel. Recent legislation forbids trading of products that animals were used for experiments, starting in January 2013. However, Israel’s FDA will not enforce this new law and is expected to ignore that recent legislation. In other words, consumers will continue to be misinformed regarding the use of animals in different products. Some consumers are not interested in buying products of companies that use animals and they have the right to know if their money supports this form of cruelty to animals. The symbol of the rabbit helps differentiate between products that were tested on animals and products that were not, and it is a universal symbol.

Adi Winter, who represents the Israeli Organization against Animal Experiments, explains: “The use of animals for experiments is archaic and very cruel, and the public has the right to know whether their money is spent on products that were used on animals that were suffering in labs. Throughout the world more and more cosmetic companies choose not to use animals, and the Israeli FDA must be aware of that, and not ignore the public rights.”

Eti Altman, who represents LAL explains: “I am very happy to buy products with the symbol of the rabbit, knowing that we are getting closer to our goal, which is the elimination of use of animals for experiments. The animal lovers will not give up on their rights to know whether they are unintentionally purchasing products that support animal cruelty.”

Animals’ experiments are indeed archaic and cause suffering to many animals. For example, chemicals are forced by a shot into the eyes of rabbits while the lab workers are taking pictures of the damaged, red, swelled and very painful eyes. Another example is that chemicals are forced into the throats of mice, while the mice are dying an agonizing death after suffering for long periods of time.

Israel’s FDA claims that the law bans to perform experiment on animals in the cosmetic industry in Israel, and that soon the banning of marketing products that were used on animals will be enforced by law. However, Israel’s FDA’s mistake is that products that were used on animals outside of Israel will continue to be imported and marketed throughout Israel; many performed the experiments prior to the determining date. It is mandatory to label the packaging of any product that animals were not used to test it, just as it is mandatory to label on any packages the “approved by IL. FDA.” label.  Consumers have a right to be informed whether they are supporting animals’ cruelty.     

   Exposé – suspicions of abuse, neglect and mismanagement at Yas’ur 

Let the Animals Live” has received disturbing images and reports of abuse andneglect towards the dogs held at Kibutz Yas’ur Municipality kennel: crowdedness and filth, outbreaks of diseases, healthy dogs being put to death and puppies thrown to the garbage. “Let the Animals Live” spokesperson Eti Altman: “we demand that the matter be urgently investigated and the responsible parties be prosecuted and held accountable

Approximately 10 days ago “Let the Animals Live” spokesperson Eti Altman filed a serious complaint with Dr. Nadav Galon, head of the veterinary services in the ministry of agriculture and with Dr. Dganit Bendov, in charge of the animal anti-cruelty law in the same office, demanding to launch an urgent investigation regarding the happenings at Yas’ur kennel, after having received reports, photos and video clips reveling the horrendous state at the kennel. “Let the Animals Live” has also filed a complaint with theAkko police

It has been more than 10 days since the letter was sent and yet nothing was done. Furthermore, “Let the Animals Live” has learnt that many dogs have since disappeared from the kennel, and were probably put to death  

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN9lYANmuSc&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl-kC460I0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u09aUa5oow&feature=youtu.be

Among the findings that were revealed in the evidences

 1. Dirt and filth – the kennel is suspected to be infested with serious diseases, including Parvo and Canine Distemper, many dogs contract infectious diseases, allergies and more, due to poor hygiene, dirty cages and the fact that the diseases are not being diagnoses. The neglect is so severe that carcasses of dead dogs remain in the cages with other dogs for days before being removed.

2. Inadequate medical care – many dogs do not receive treatment and are being put to death even when they can be saved, in cases such as biting wounds, old age and more. Many dogs die even before they are put to sleep. 8-12 dogs are kept in each cage, some injured and sick, lying in filth and their own excrement, and getting no attention or medical care  

3. Misconduct – as reported, there is no record of when the dogs arrive or get their vaccinations. If a dog that arrives has a microchip, attempts are made to locate the owners, but if the case is a little bit more complicated, no one bothers to inquire more seriously and the dog remains at the kennel for many months

4. Unprofessionalism of the staff – as reported, the head dog handler in charge of the kennel does not clean the cages, ignores the screams of dogs, lies to people who wish to find out details about a certain dog. It seems this person has no professional qualification for the position

Of the report that was made at “Let the Animals Live

“All the dogs are extremely thin, sick with several types of diseases or parasites. They bury them in masses. The treatment doesn’t help at all and in most cases even dogs that were already vaccinated get infected and die

No autopsy is performed in order to check for the cause of death, to isolate the source, to sterilize and to treat

In many cases a female dog that gave birth remained with her puppies in the cage with other dogs, large, aggressive males and consequently killed her own puppies

In another instance a mother ate her dead puppy – due to hunger, stress, depression or simply because she was left with the carcass for days

Some dogs aren’t being fed daily because supposedlyRoydoesn’t have time for everything, and of course cleaning, when happens, doesn’t involve the use of bleach”

For details –

Eti Altman

spokesperson and cofounder of “Let the Animals Live” 050-5358421

eti@letlive.org.il

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3652525.htm

This is a TV video describing the shocking animal absue in an Israeli Abattoir.

We are fighting this terrible acts of cruelty and urge you dear friends to support us in this very difficult battle against the largest economical forces in ISRAEL.

An online donation can be done at www.letlive.org.il/eng/donate/

THANK YOU