ACTIVISTS FOR HORSES AND DONKEYS

	Activists for horses and donkeys: Alia, Gal, Gil, Lynne, Nomiti, Naama, Romi, Shahar, and Nurit

SIXTH GRADERS TAKE ACTION AGAINST HORSE AND DONKEY ABUSE!

"Project Breakthrough" students worked together with Hakol Chai to improve the lives of horses and donkeys in their city. ("Project Breakthrough" is a Tel Aviv multi-school social/environmental activist program.)

At their annual conference, the students presented to the head veterinarian (the person ultimately responsible for the welfare of horses and donkeys) a powerful film that documented the abuse of horses and donkeys. The film included images of abuses such as horses suffering from much too-heavy loads, leg wounds and bleeding, malnutrition (inadequate amount of food and water), improperly fitted shoes on their hooves, leading to pain and damaged feet, and weakness and exhaustion.

The students also researched the Animal Protection Law (established by the government to protect animals) and concluded that the law does not do nearly enough to adequately protect horses and donkeys.

In order to better protect the animals, the students wrote out detailed suggestions for improving the law, including:

• Defining the maximum number of hours per day a horse can work

• Determining the minimum quantity of food and water he must be given

• Stating the condition of the stable in which he is housed

• Outlining the standards for a properly fitting harness

• Requiring that regular veterinary care be provided

The students recommended to the veterinarian that all horse and donkey owners should be required to meet basic standards or their animals will be taken from them. Furthermore, the owners must have a yearly inspection of their animals.

Unfortunately, the city vet was not very responsive to the students' report and was not willing to follow through with the valuable suggestions they offered.

And so the students decided to take things into their own hands and made plans to hang posters throughout the city, telling residents who witness abuse to call an emergency number. Perhaps enough pressure from local residents will cause the veterinary services to finally take some action!

Amazed by the kids' ambition, The head veterinarian spoke with the student's school and asked to meet them and discuss their suggestions. He also invited them to join the patrols during which abused horses are taken from their irresponsible owners.

Way to go, guys! Thanks for the truly important detective work, suggestions, and follow-through.

Just like these kids, you, too, can make a difference in your community by finding different ways to help animals and then do it. And like the Project Breakthrough students, let us know how we can help you.