CHAI - Horses: Abuse & Rescue: Media Coverage


	Even if the inspectors arrive following residents' calls, they do so long after the cart owners have already left the area (PR)


	From invitation to the event

Sick and emaciated horses continue to walk city streets harnessed to a cart. To press for a ban on the cart vendor phenomenon, a special event will take place tonight, with the participation of Ram Orion, Assaf Amdursky and others.

Unfortunately for Tel Aviv residents, injured and tired donkeys, barely dragging themselves through city streets, are part of the urban landscape. They are at the mercy of the criminals who own them. Those responsible for this phenomenon are the owners of these poor animals. Although most of them do not have a license to keep these donkeys and horses, they go about their business uninterrupted.

The use of animals in the city for questionable purposes is not a local problem. In many places worldwide, similar struggles are waged successfully. In London, Los Angeles, and additional cities, the use of horse carriages for tourism purposes is already prohibited by law. In New York, too, animal rights organizations are waging a similar battle. Today, the world will mark an international action day for donkeys and horses. In Israel tonight, Hakol Chai will hold an event for the cause. The event, which will take place at "Hachatul Vehakelev" (in English: "The Cat and the Dog"), will include live performances by Asaf Amdursky, Billy Levy, Ram Orion and many other fine artists who have volunteered to perform. Entry will cost only ten shekels, which will be donated to the charity.

"Instead of the usual demonstration opposite city hall, we are holding an event with performances", says Ikey Green, Hakol Chai's representative. "We are protesting the fact that even though there is a regulation prohibiting keeping donkeys and horses without a license, in reality, it is rarely enforced. We hope the Tel Aviv municipality will act to stop the abuse".

Hakol Chai, the sister charity of a U.S. charity, is dedicated to the struggle against cart horses and gambling on horse racing. The Society is currently waging a dedicated campaign against establishing gambling on horse racing in Israel.

The Tel Aviv municipality responded by saying that "The Tel Aviv municipality is a pioneer when it comes to enforcing animal rights and protecting them from abuse. The municipality takes all possible legal steps to fight peddlers who keep horses and donkeys in inappropriate conditions, in order to eliminate the phenomenon. In addition, the municipality continues intensive activity aimed at seizing horses in poor physical health. Since 2005, about 90 horses and donkeys were seized and transferred to lengthy treatment and rehabilitation, and about 800 traffic citations were issued against horse owners who keep horses without a license."

(NOTE BY CHAI: Typically, horses are removed from their abusers only to be returned the following day. According to the city’s own municipal veterinarian, the city lacks the funds, staff, and facilities to properly monitor and deal with the situation.)