Animal rights groups to get NIS 2.9M funding

The Environmental Protection Ministry has pledges NIS 2.9 million (roughly $750,000) in State funds for Israel's animal rights groups. The majority of animal rights groups is Israel depend on donations for their operations, making State funds crucial. The funds will be distributed through the ministry's Animal Welfare Foundation. A sizeable part of the fund's budget is derived from fines imposed in animal abuse cases. This will be the first time they are diverted to animal rights groups. A ministry statement said that the funds will be distributed between 34 groups. "In a time when we are seeing a disconcerting rise in animal abuse cases it is imperative that we support this groups, which are performing incredibly important services and carrying for the helpless," Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter