Israel's legislature, the Knesset, has given unanimous approval to legislation that toughens enforcement policies against animal abusers, as well as other charges.
The bill is an amendment to Israel's Animal Welfare Law. It increases the maximum prison sentence from three years to four years and increases the fine to NIS 226,000 (approximately $57,000). In addition, it places a ban on killing animals in non-euthanasia circumstances, prohibits cruel practices such as animal tattooing, and ensures that senior executives at slaughterhouses are held accountable for any abuses in their factories.
“We are taking a big and significant step in expanding the protection of animals today,” says MK Itzik Shmuli of the Zionist Union party. The legislature has been praised as “an effective way to deal with animal welfare offenses.”
This bill also expands an existing ban on live tissue cutting for cosmetic purposes. It also allows authorities to confiscate animals they believe are at risk for abuse.
“We will not stop here, and we are determined, alongside stricter penalties, to increase enforcement operations and expand educational activities for youths,” Shmuli said. “Our next goal is to promote the responsibility of managers in corporations for abuse cases that occur in their factories and slaughterhouses.”
Read more about it here: http://theveganherald.com/2016/01/israel-lawmakers-unanimous-pass-animal-welfare-law-increasing-jail-time-for-violators/
Off to smooch my own animals, till next time!
J
