Jerusalem, 10 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli police and Nature and Parks Authority inspectors uncovered illegally kept wildlife during a search of a home in the Arab city Umm al-Fahm this week. Officers initially arrived to investigate suspected drug trafficking but instead found two young Israeli gazelles and 13 birds, including finches and exotic African songbirds, being held in unsuitable conditions.
The suspect, a repeat offender previously caught with protected animals, fled the scene. The animals were transferred for treatment and evaluation.
Authorities said a new investigation has been opened against the suspect.