(haipo) – Animal rights: The recent winter storm from the east left behind heavy damage at the Shanti Farm on the Carmel Coast, near the town of Atlit – one of the largest animal rescue and rehabilitation centers in Israel. Strong winds and heavy rains tore off the roof of the central greenhouse, leaving hundreds of dogs, cats and other animals exposed to the elements, without shelter and with no permanent solution in sight.
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Contact information for assistance with the Shanti Farm:
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The collapse of the central greenhouse and its impact on the animals
The most significant damage was caused to the largest and most critical greenhouse on the farm, a structure about 100 meters long, which served as the main shelter for hundreds of animals. According to Inbal Kesem, the farm’s manager, the strong winds dismantled the iron construction and caused the roof beams to fly into the air. As a result, cats, dogs and even parrots were left without basic protection from rain, wind and sun.
She said the entire area has become completely exposed, and the current situation is jeopardizing the welfare of the animals, especially in the midst of a cold and rainy winter. Currently, over 100 animals are directly affected by the collapse of the structure, with the health risk increasing as the days go by.
Temporary solutions with the help of donations from the public
Following the disaster, the farm staff was forced to act quickly to provide emergency solutions. With the help of donations from the public, small plastic hotels were purchased to serve as temporary shelter for the animals from the rain. Inbal Kesem explains that this is only a partial solution, designed to deal with the immediate situation and does not constitute a substitute for a permanent and safe structure. In the coming days, the farm is expected to receive bids for building a new roof and restoring the destroyed greenhouse. According to initial estimates, the economic damage is estimated at hundreds of thousands of shekels – a heavy sum for an organization that relies almost entirely on donations, and requires extensive and rapid resource mobilization.
Urgent call for assistance and essential equipment
The farm manager emphasizes that in addition to financial donations, there is an immediate need for basic equipment for heating and protecting the animals.
Among the urgent needs: Blankets, towels and bedding, which help keep the dogs and cats warm during the cold hours. According to her, the farm also needs additional hotels and any means that can alleviate the distress on the ground. Currently, the Shanti Farm is home to about 500 animals, divided into cat enclosures, free-range dog areas and pens, as well as enclosures designated for farm animals. Each of these areas was affected differently by the storm, but all are now dependent on outside assistance.
Damaged infrastructure and the extent of overall damage
In addition to the roof collapse, the farm suffered additional damage to its infrastructure, including the electrical system, which was also damaged by the extreme weather. These damages further complicate the functioning of the facility and the ability to provide proper care to the animals. The farm staff works around the clock to maintain a minimal routine, but without a thorough restoration of the buildings and infrastructure, there is a fear that the situation will worsen. The farm staff emphasize that this is not only physical damage, but a continuing impairment of the ability to provide care, warmth, and security to hundreds of homeless animals.
Future plans halted due to budget shortages
Eden Gimpel, an activist at the farm, points to nearby areas designated for future development, where the farm planned to build additional facilities and even a veterinary clinic. According to her, establishing the clinic is a top priority, but the area currently stands empty due to a severe budget shortage. The limited resources are currently being directed to dealing with storm damage, which is postponing long-term plans to improve care and rehabilitation conditions. The reality that has been imposed on the farm illustrates the place’s deep dependence on public support and the gap between the needs on the ground and the existing economic capacity.
Angel Inbal! Her place in heaven is guaranteed.
Please write to Ms. Von Babbitt to send donations. Thank you very much 🐈🐕🐶🐱🦜
Inbal is doing her job wholeheartedly. And now we must help her, the animals are in danger, maybe the authorities can also contribute, the Haifa Municipality, the Tirat Carmel Municipality, the Zichron Yaakov Municipality, and other good people who are professionals. We must recognize the animals and lend a helping hand.