Jerusalem, 29 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Veterinary Services at Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture intends to ban the import of pets whose ears or tails have been cropped for ornamental purposes: Pet importers will now be required to declare that no harm was done to the animal for the purposes of sale or display for sale, and no entry permit will be granted to animals that have been harmed in this way.
With the demand for a “cute pet that will bring a little joy to the home,” said the Veterinary Services, the demand for importing purebred pets from abroad has also increased. However, in some cases, imported pets arriving in Israel arrive after their ears or tails have been cut off for ornamental purposes. This, added the Ministry of Agriculture, was the impetus for the ban.
According to the Animal Cruelty Law in the State of Israel, there is a complete prohibition on animal abuse, including the prohibition of cutting into living tissue in an animal, tattooing or painting it, with a means that damages or penetrates living tissue, all for ornamental purposes.
Likewise, in Israel, it is prohibited to possess for the purpose of sale or display for sale an animal whose ears or tail have been cut or whose body has been tattooed, which were performed for ornamental purposes. In addition, even when it comes to animals that are not native to the country, their display in exhibitions or shows is prohibited.
In addition, by virtue of the Animal Diseases Ordinance and Regulations, the Director of Veterinary Services may consider considerations related to preventing animal cruelty even when granting an import license, and stipulate conditions in the import license to achieve this goal.