New Content: Legislation and Practices in Israel for Protection of Pigs from Unnecessary Pain: Euthanasia in Pig Farming
Since 2012, pig farming in Israel started to be regulated for minimal standards for pig protection. In September 2012, the “Guidelines for Pig Farming”, were issued by the Veterinary Services of Ministry of Agriculture of the State of Israel. This was replaced by the “Regulations against cruelty to animals” (Protection of Animals) (Pigs Farming for Agricultural Purposes) on May 2015, issued by the same Ministry after approval by a special Commission of the Israeli Parliament. Among other aspects, current legislation deals with a problematic aspect relative to pig farming: accomplishment of euthanasia or emergency killing. The purpose of several articles of the current regulations, was to minimize or avoid unnecessary pain and sufferance in pigs, caused by injuries or diseases or any other traumatic events. This article examines practical implications of euthanasia or emergency killing of pigs at the farm level, and addresses solutions for consideration in the local pig industry.