Dozens of Animals in Ashkelon Rescued After Being Kept Under Cruel Conditions

Jerusalem, 4 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Dozens of animals in Ashkelon, including horses, goats, dogs, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits, were rescued by Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety inspectors from the cruel conditions in which they were kept at a makeshift farm that was uncovered in an open area near the city cemetery.

The animals were kept in severely neglected conditions, some were extremely thin, others suffering from injuries without medical treatment.

Among the animals found were three horses, 10 unmarked goats, 18 dogs, 33 chickens, 24 ducks, two geese, two rabbits, 30 pigeons and two guinea fowl.

Their rescue came following a call from the municipal veterinarian, who warned about the keeping of animals in life-threatening conditions.

The inspectors found particularly difficult conditions at the site: contaminated cages, limited amounts of water, a lack of food, and visible injuries among the animals. One of the horses, which had been lying injured and suffering for several days before the team arrived, was forced to be euthanized by the veterinarian due to its serious medical condition.

The three other horses that were at the site were found to be thin and injured, and were transferred along with the other animals to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation at the Ministry of Agriculture’s protected facility.