Israel’s Parliament approved yesterday by a vote of 42 to 15 a ban on pig-raising in Israel. The bill became law after a third reading. It prohibits the “raising, keeping or slaughtering” of swine except in Nazareth and six other places which have a large Christian population. Both Jewish and Moslem religious law forbids eating of pork.
The bill, introduced as a private members measure by six members of five parties, was supported by the three religious parties, Mapai, Herut and the Liberals. The new law allows pig farmers a year to dispose of present holdings of pigs. After that date, anyone caught raising the animals, except for scientific purposes or display in zoos, will face a fine of 1,000 pounds ($333). Renting of premises for a pig sty carries a fine of 500 pounds.
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