Australian epidemiologist warns that live shipment of animals for fattening, slaughter, is 'getting to a stage when it can't be safe'; Israel continues to import

In its first ever debate on issue, committee told of dreadful breeding conditions, lack of data and enforcement; thousands of abandoned animals put to sleep

Ministry fails to investigate problems, punishes neither ship owners nor importers who repeatedly break rules. More work needed to halt spread of diseases that can infect humans

Statute of limitations prevents further action against cattle workers who shot and electrocuted animals 'for fun' at farms that send live animals to Israel for slaughter

Rights group Animals Now charges that key to improving livestock conditions is transferring responsibility from Agriculture Ministry to Environmental Protection Ministry

New video footage of cows who made it through the flames and were sent to Eilat draws fresh criticism of intense suffering endured during live shipping

Nearly 700,000 animals shipped from Australia and Europe for fattening and slaughter; Knesset bill to stop live transports halted by absence of functioning government

Determined not to stand idly by in the face of environmental degradation, animal rights campaigner Miki Haimovich eyes Environmental Protection Ministry

Veterinary inspector says 'common problems' include injury and suffocation from overcrowding, high temperatures, poor ventilation

Rights advocates call practice 'shocking and disturbing' after video emerges of workers unloading surviving animals with electric prodders