35 battered dogs located in storage room

Thirty-five battered puppies kept under harsh conditions were retrieved from a sealed storage room near the city of Hadera this week, after the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry followed up on complaints from local residents.

The dogs were kept in a small area with no ventilation, many of them pregnant or nursing their puppies, their fur matted with urine and feces. The unidentified owner of the facility, who locals said came about once every three days, has not been located.

The ministry first arrived at the scene a few days ago to investigate, following complaints. The team could not see the dogs from the outside, but inferred from the smell that there were animals kept there under poor conditions.

After failing to locate the owner, they turned to the court for a warrant to break into the building.

Once a warrant was received, the ministry evacuated the dogs for medical treatment. According to a ministry official, the dogs have not received vaccinations.

Dr. Nirit Tzipori-Barki, a ministry official responsible for animal rights, said the dogs had “suffered daily, for years, for commercial use and profit, and without basic conditions.”

The dogs will be put up for adoption by the Let the Animals Live nonprofit.