Will they be sent to their death? Puppies being held at Ben-Gurion airport
Photo: Tzvika Tishler
Airport pups saved from certain death
Airport authorities working to send unvaccinated smuggled canines back to their native Uzbekistan, but animal rights groups fighting the decision claim the pups would not survive the flight back
The fate of some 25 pedigreed puppies smuggled into the country on a flight from Uzbekistan is set to be determined Sunday, when their status as “new immigrants” may be determined.
The Israel Airports Authority veterinarian had prevented the pups’ entrance into the country under the claim that international laws prohibit the entry of unvaccinated animals.
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Although no one has been arrested in the incident, the dogs would be worth a lot of money if sold in the country.
According to Ettie Altman of animal rights’ group, Let Animals Live, Agriculture Ministry Vet Services Director Dr. Moshe Haimovitch is expected to reach a final decision on the matter Sunday. If he decides in favor of sending the dogs back to Uzbekistan, a decisive hearing on the matter would be held Sunday at Rishon Letzion Magistrates Court.
Ben-Gurion Airport authorities had already boarded the pups on a plane Tuesday en route to Uzbekistan when the control tower received word of a restraining order issued by a Rehovot judge following a plea by Let Animals Live.
The plea, which claimed the pups would not survive the flight back, has kept them in the country.
'Eight dogs have already died'
Tel Aviv City Council Member Orna Banai, who has joined Let Animals Live for the fight to keep the pups in the country, told Ynet, “It is obvious to all of us that flying the dogs is a death sentence, because they will not survive the flight.”
She said there is no reason to banish them.
“We have a veterinarian who is willing to treat them, and certainly people who would be willing to adopt them,” she said. “It is a shame that because of ego and politics the dogs will pay the price.”
According to Altman, as many as eight dogs have already died in quarantine. The rest are currently being held at the Veterinary Hospital in Beit Dagan.
“We will continue to follow (the case),” Altman said. “I call on the public to come and protest for the dogs and on the state to battle dog smugglers and send them to jail.”
