270 crocodiles euthanized: State sues farm operator for costs

The State Attorney's Office has filed a counterclaim in the Jerusalem District Court against the operator of the crocodile farm in Petza'el, seeking over a million shekels to recover expenses incurred by the state. The authorities were forced to intervene and perform necessary actions that the company had long neglected, in order to mitigate risks to the public and the animals.

The counterclaim, along with the statement of defense against the farm operator's lawsuit targeting the Civil Administration, the Israel Police, and the Nature and Parks Authority, was filed by Adv. Mirit Savion of the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office. In its defense, the state requests the dismissal of the company's claims regarding regulatory damages, asserting that its actions were lawful and based on professional assessments. The state maintains that the company's conduct over the years necessitated this intervention.

According to the counterclaim, the first escape of dozens of crocodiles occurred as early as 2011. Over the following 14 years, state authorities conducted numerous inspections, issued warnings, and held hearings, repeatedly demanding that the operator address severe deficiencies in safety, security, and animal welfare.

Despite these efforts, the company reportedly ignored directives, continued to operate the farm, and maintained a continuous risk to human life and the animals in its custody. These failures led to repeated escapes and required ongoing state intervention.

Furthermore, veterinary reports determined that the conditions at the farm amounted to abuse and cruelty. Some crocodiles were found with severe injuries, including limb amputations resulting from cannibalism and dominance struggles caused by poor living conditions. Consequently, the state was forced to act, carrying out fencing and security works and ultimately euthanizing 270 Nile crocodiles after determining that no other alternatives could address the immediate and real danger to human life.

Through this counterclaim, the state seeks full reimbursement for these expenses, arguing that the costs were incurred solely due to the company's actions and omissions, and that the public purse should not bear the financial burden of the operator's negligence.