The Israel Dog Unit (IDU), a nonprofit specializing in the training and use of working dogs, held an exhibition today for several hundred "Animal Ambassadors" in Ashkelon to celebrate the end of their training. The exhibition included discipline, rescue work, and more, and was held in the presence of Mayor Tomer Glam.
The principles of the program include "education through and for the animals" to train the youth as ambassadors of animal welfare working for their well-being. As part of the program, the students participate in various activities such as workshops on the topics of feelings and emotions towards dogs, abandoned dogs, rights of dogs and human responsibilities.
The ambassadors also participate in the lecture of the city veterinarian, Dr. Miki Shapiro, in a training workshop by the trainer Yadin Atias, help on adoption days, and go out into the community to teach at elementary schools on this subject.
At the end of the year, the students visit the city kennel of Ashkelon and participate in a municipal festival where the annual activity is summarized and displayed.
The program is backed by the Department of Animal Welfare in the Municipality of Ashkelon, the Veterinary Department, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and operates in all high schools in the city.
IDU director Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov commented: "We congratulate the ambassadors, who are now going to schools throughout Ashkelon and the surrounding area, to convey the principles of proper care and maintenance of animals, education that has been proven to reduce the amount of abuse of dogs and animals. We thank all those who are engaged in this effort, and invite them to take part in IDU activities for the purpose of saving human lives with animals."