Nature and Parks Authority Inspector Shoots Dogs in Bedouin Community

An inspector from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority shot family dogs belonging to the Abu Jihad community of the Jahalin Bedouin tribe near Mitzpe Yeriho, drawing sharp criticism from activists and community members over alleged selective enforcement.

The incident occurred around noon, when the inspector opened fire on the dogs within the residential compound. According to the Nature and Parks Authority, the action was part of a regional operation to address stray dogs following a severe rabies outbreak in the region. Activists from the 'Friends of the Jahalin' group questioned why the enforcement specifically targeted Bedouin communities while stray dogs reportedly roam freely without supervision in nearby Jewish settlements and farms, raising concerns over selective enforcement and the use of live fire in residential areas. Activists noted a similar incident months ago in the Khan al-Ahmar community.

Tomer Neiman, an activist with the 'Standing Together' movement who witnessed the event and helped evacuate the wounded animals, stated that the community constantly faces harassment from neighboring settlements. The injured dogs were transferred to the Beit Dagan veterinary hospital with the assistance of the 'Starting Over' animal rescue organization.

The Nature and Parks Authority stated in response that the region is experiencing an exceptional year for rabies, with dozens of verified cases in the past six months, including approximately 40 involving stray dogs in Judea and Samaria. Citing recent dog bite incidents that resulted in a child's death, the authority emphasized that inspectors act under the Rabies Ordinance to cull stray dogs that pose a lethal threat to humans and cause severe damage to local wildlife ecosystems.