Unit will be up and running in a few weeks (archives)
Photo: Baruch Feigenbaum
Volunteers to protect animals in Tel Aviv area
As part of joint police and veterinary services initiative, new unit to enforce Animal Welfare Law, offer initial medical treatment to wounded animals
The rise in animal abuse cases has led to the formation of a new voluntary police unit aimed at protecting four-legged creatures in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
The unit's volunteers will patrol neighborhoods, raise awareness among pet owners to ensure adequate treatment and also help rescue animals in distress.
As part of the joint initiative of the Mesubim police station and the Gush Dan Veterinary Services, the volunteers will also undergo special veterinary and Civil Guard training.
"Awareness regarding proper care for animals and the protection of animal rights is lacking, as is the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Law," says Dr. Moshe Rafaelovich, head of the Gush Dan Veterinary Services, "We receive many reports on injured animals on the street and abused dogs and cats, but the medical attention they receive is deficient."
According to Rafaelovich, the volunteers will be granted authority equivalent to that of a police officer due to the fact that they will be a part of the Civil Guard.
"In dealing with animal abuse, it is not enough to focus on the abusing individuals. The injured animals themselves must be treated and rehabilitated," he said.
Rafaelovich said the unit should be up and running in a few weeks.
The unit is seeking volunteers that are 18 or over who served in the army and have no criminal record.
For details: Email: animals@vet-dan.com, fax: 03-6315207, or P.O. Box 966, Ramat Gan
