Police and the Nature and Parks Authority arrested a man on Sunday on suspicion of illegally possessing and trafficking Burmese pythons and reticulated pythons.
This morning, in an operation by police officers from the Environmental Protection Department of the Israel Police and inspectors of the Jerusalem District Authority, the forces acted to prevent trafficking in wild animals kept without permits and in appalling conditions.
Police arrest snake trafficking suspect | Photo: Police Spokesperson's Office
The forces that raided the suspect's home in Mevaseret Zion seized two Burmese pythons and a netted bait during the search. One of the snakes was kept in a yellow jerrycan and seahorses were also found in the apartment. In addition, weapons and suspected drugs were seized during the search.
The animals seized were kept illegally, without permits for possession or trafficking, and in conditions compromising their welfare. These species are prohibited due to their size, which can reach up to 6 meters and can be dangerous to humans.
A resident of Mevaseret Zion (23) was taken with the exhibits for further interrogation at the Harel police station, on suspicion of animal abuse, failure to take precautions against animals and possession of drugs not for personal consumption. He will also be investigated by the Nature and Parks Authority for possession of natural values.
"The snakes caught today were kept under conditions and transferred to a protected shelter," said Yaniv Shalom, a researcher in the field of trade at the Nature and Parks Authority, "The variety of species permitted for private possession and trade is published on the Nature and Parks Authority's website, under the general permit for possession, and care must be taken to keep animals, only in accordance with the law and the rules and property only from traders with a valid trade permit from the Nature and Parks Authority. Of course, the animals must be kept in good welfare conditions."
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