Israel to rescue cats, dogs from Gaza settlements

Israeli animal rescuers will enter Gaza's Jewish settlements after they have been evacuated to round up stray dogs and cats, an animal welfare group said.

Unarmed troops have begun forced evacuations of settlers under Israel's plan to pull out of the Gaza Strip after nearly four decades of occupation. About half the 8,500 residents had already left by themselves.

Animal rescuer Avi Kuzi, who heads the Society to Protect Animals group, said that after the 21 Gaza settlements are declared empty, the pet catchers will move in.