Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rescue dog bit off more than she could chew this Hanukkah, leaving the canine quarantined and the leader nicknamed “Bibi” barking mad.
Netanyahu held a candle-lighting ceremony at his residence in Jerusalem for members of the Likud party last Wednesday. That’s where Kaiya, the prime minister’s adopted canine, went on a biting spree, sinking her teeth into two guests: Sharren Haskel, a member of Parliament, and Ol Alon, husband of Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. Neither were reported to be seriously injured.
As a result of the bites, Kaiya is headed to quarantine under an Israeli regulation mandated by municipalities that requires the isolation of a canine biter for 10 days.
“Last night our whole family lit the fifth Hanukkah candle before we were sadly forced to send Kaiya to quarantine, as required by law,” Netanyahu said in a Facebook post Friday, which features a family photo that includes Kaiya.
Netanyahu said he would pursue a change to the law he suddenly found himself at the mercy of.
“Following the incident, I encountered the issue of quarantining dogs and found it to be flawed and at odds with common sense and compassion,” continued Netanyahu. “I will ask experts in the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and animal protection organizations to draft proposals to improve upon the existing laws.”
“Happy Chanukah and Shabbat Shalom to everyone, whether you walk on two legs or four,” Netanyahu tweeted Friday.
