Hebrew daily "Ma'ariv" reports that, three days after, Channel 10's investigative program "Kolbotek" aired shocking pictures of poultry being abused at the Soglowek abattoir in Shlomi, the Ministry of Agriculture ordered the company to immediately stop using broken cages, which contravene the Cruelty to Animals (Protection of Animals) Law (5754-1994). As a result of the order, the abattoir was not used on Thursday and Friday.
The Veterinary Services Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and the Israel Police are investing the abattoir.
A new installation is due to arrive at the abattoir today, which will allow the slaughter of smaller numbers of poultry. The District Veterinary Service will examine the facility, and if it is deemed in compliance with the law, Soglowek will be allowed to use it.
In addition, the NGOs Let the Animals Live and Anonymous for Animal Rights, as well as politicians have taken action. On Friday, MK Reuven Rivlin (Likud) called on the Attorney General to open an investigation into the Soglowek abattoir and to end the abuse of poultry.
Soglowek said in response, "Work at the abattoir is continuing normally, and the company complies with the Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry has not stopped work at the facility. Immediately following 'Kolbotek's' inquiry a week ago, the company voluntarily stopped using the broken cages at the facility. Slaughter is carried out manually, not mechanically."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 3, 2013
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