FROM VIOLENCE – TO COMPASSION
(Safety to Domestic Animals ofIsrael)
Ruth May, Head of Project
InIsrael, domestic animals (dogs, cats) are divided into two separate destinies :
The regular, natural keeping of Pets, and on the other hand, the sad, mis-treatment , abuse, suffering and heavy death rates, to those same species with almost indifference on the matter . (This relates to the whole Israeli population- Jews and arabs alike).
Due to despair and distress of those noble creatures, the Project of ”From Violence to Compassion” was born. The main purpose of this Activity is to alter the present reality, of aggressive behavior to animals, through lack of knowledge, until transformation of violence to understanding and compassion, by a Re-education Program.
The Educational Project’s target is mainly the Village areas of the Northern part ofIsrael
(the wholeGalileearea) mostly Arab settled ,whose culture generally omits knowledge of Pet- raising, but rather uses those same animals (mainly dogs)- as guarding farms, herds, etc…. with minimal care of descent keeping(food, water, shelter) or well-being, with no interference of the authorities. (not to mention illegal acts of dog-fighting) . This very sad reality of abused ‘ dogs in captivity ‘, must be stopped ! As the Galilee village area is vast, hundreds of stray dogs and their puppies, as well as cats are wandering in search for food, water, shelter, or protection of humans ,only to be caught, abused and/or killed by them/us, humans .
The only way to stop that sequence of behavior is through Education , or re-Education.
Landmarks :
2007 : First steps of activities , mainly correspondence for finances, and field
Attention to strays . Minimal support (Helen Doron Co.) and self investment.
2008 : Building of a temporary field shelter/center for stray animals. (collection of Strays, treatment, daily feeding and care, until adoption / dogs).
2009 : Co-operation through NOGA Environment Protection Society, Sachnin area.
Joint-ventures with Dr. Hussein Tarabeih, on behalf of stray animals.
(minimal funding by : Rashut lepituah Gallil. Government support)
2010 : Joining to “ Let Animals Live” – Activation through them , with joint Co-operation and Partnership of “Noga” . Field research of needs and Requirements, (Education Program Manual) Pilot trials- (toddlers).
2011 : Activation of the education program “from Violence to Compassion”
In schools , both in Arab and Jewish communities inIsrael.
EDUCATION IS THE KEY…..
Through-out the scholastic years 2010 and 2011, our program of changing the concept of aggression to animals , has covered more than 1500 children of both ethnic groups, in various educational frames. Likewise , instructions and guidance to farmers in relation to Their treatment and care of “work-dogs”. (feeding , tying, medical care, and attention).
The Education Program “from violence to compassion” is adapted to various age groups from toddlers to high-school , according to special needs . The aim is to promulgate humane values of refinement, and sensitivity to the pain of animals and weaker societies in general . The hope is to build our future generation to value and respect life and the Connection and link between ’ human to human‘ ‘ human to nature’ and ‘ human to animal life’ in his surrounding.
The project “from Violence to Compassion” to animals includes 4 active pathways :
1 - “Let animals live” educational program ‘from violence to compassion ‘(including Animal welfare and rights, by law 1994 Prevention of cruelty to Animals ).
2 - Awareness towards spay/neuter programs for dogs and cats to minimize stray-population . (funds needed to broaden explanatory activities in Municipalities) .
3 - Daily Maintenance to our small temporary field shelter (up to 15 dogs), with the Attendance of volunteers. At present this dog-haven is located on the property of an Arab farmer, willing enough, to enable this whole ducation & rescue activity.
“Let Animals live, Israel” is at present, in the process of building an Education Center and dog-shelter, on the site of : Towns’ Association of Environment Protection’, in the city of Sachnin . This site has an educational activity of approx. 60,000 High-school students and visitors.
The idea is to add to their original schedule, our welfare Animal Program, which Will include also a practical hands-on experience with the animals, at our dog-haven.
Future plans : Local Self-Leadership Against Cruelty to Animals .
Neighborly joint-ventures (Jews & Arabs ofGalilee). (Finances needed).
4 - Medical Attendance , Temporary Foster Homes ,Well-being of abused strays, Dogs and cats Rehabilitation, for both emotional and behavioural reasons so that they can trust in us humans again, until their final adoption.
VISION
The “From Violence to Compassion” various activities, on behalf of domestic animals (cats and dogs), is a Stance Against Cruelty and a promise to secure their safety and well-being. Whole populations, in vast village areas, through no blame, but simply due to lack of a proper aspect on the issue of animal care and handling, have been exposed to cruel behavior and treatment of dogs and cats (donkeys as well….) for no other knowledge abuse animals, as a daily routine.
The Project “from Violence to Compassion” began in the Northern part ofIsrael, localGalileearea, spread to other areas as well, and shows potentials of growth, demand and need. The feed-back on our education program, is delight from the experience ,a new recognition, and mostly understanding and wish to change the sad reality of animals.
Hereby List of villages and towns , with populations showing spread of strays - (dogs and cats- alike). The spread is mostly Arab villages, with no municipal solutions for birth control of strays. Hopefully apprehension and co-operation, can bring about a change to a better tomorrow For both humans and animals.
Town/village population strays (cats&dogs)
(Arab/Druze/Catholics)
Arrabe * 21,660 2000 (approx.)
Sachnin* 26,289 3000
Deir Hanna* 9,100 500
M’rar 20,000 200
Issfiya (Druze) 10,000 1000
Shefaram * 36,888 3000
Yarka/Julis (druze) 20,700 2000
Nah’f * 10,943 550
Deir el ‘assad* 10,610 550
Magd’ el krum* 13,776 700
Ra’ame 7,279 500
Ba’ane 7,063 500
Taib’ee * 37,323 3000
Basmat-Tivon* 6,000 450
Total : 220,000 (approx.) 17,750 (approx.)
Karmiel,Misgav,Akko}
Kiriat shmona,Zfat } total: 151,000 (approx.) 15,000 (approx)
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