Breaking Update
Knesset Committee Passes Stricter Regulations on Animal Cruelty
Israel's Knesset Education Committee passed stricter animal transport regulations to minimize suffering and enhance welfare for vulnerable animals.
Jerusalem, 24 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) โ The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee approved today (Tuesday) the amendment to the Animal Cruelty (Animal Protection) Regulations on the subject of animal transportation, which the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has promoted in recent months. The purpose of the amendment to the regulations is to reduce the suffering of animals during their transportation, while maintaining a balance and taking into account the needs of Agriculture. It is the result of experience and knowledge accumulated in Israel and around the world since the regulations were originally enacted about two decades ago.
The new regulations are designed to significantly improve the welfare of animals throughout all stages of transportation, and reduce unnecessary suffering when transporting them from place to place by vehicle. As part of the amendment, strict provisions were established regarding the transport of particularly vulnerable animals, including: animals that are unable to stand on their own, animals in advanced pregnancy, as well as calves and lambs.
In addition, rules concerning the duration of transport and the conditions of heat, ventilation and air conditioning have been updated, with a view to reducing stress phenomena. Requirements on the conditions of the transport compartment, the space available to each animal and the height of the compartment have also been sharpened so as to enable them to stand and move naturally and without injury.
