Jerusalem, 10 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Customs inspectors at the Rabin Crossing into Jordan, located just north of Eilat, in cooperation with the veterinary services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, thwarted an attempt to smuggle a number of rare English Barb pigeons, which are considered a valuable and sought-after species among breeders, into Israel.
The suspect in the smuggling attempt, a resident of Beit Safafa in Jerusalem in his 20s, returned from his trip to Jordan and attempted to cross with his luggage through the passenger hall at the Rabin Crossing. Thanks to the vigilance of the customs inspectors at the crossing, an attempt to smuggle several rare pigeons was foiled. Their wings and beaks were wrapped in adhesive tape inside the suitcase to prevent them from moving. These conditions, said authorities, created a real risk to their lives and seriously harmed their well-being. The customs inspectors questioned the suspect, who claimed that he raises pigeons at home and that he purchased them in Jordan.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emphasized that smuggling animals without veterinary supervision and proper licenses poses a real risk to animal health, as they may carry diseases and viruses that may be transmitted to farmed poultry and harm the agricultural sector. In addition, transporting animals in this way harms their welfare and is in violation of the Animal Cruelty Law. The pigeons were seized by customs inspectors and transferred for veterinary treatment at a facility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which has launched an investigation into the incident.