Security forces yesterday (Saturday) arrested a resident of the al-Azazmeh Bedouin diaspora in his 20s, suspected of hanging the carcass of a hyena from a bridge over Route 25, near Ne’ot Hovav. The unusual and disturbing incident shocked drivers who passed by over the weekend.
The incident was discovered on Friday night, when emergency hotlines received a report about a wild animal carcass hanging from a bridge. Officers from the Segev Shalom police station arrived at the scene, carried out searches, and removed the carcass from the road. At the same time, the incident was reported to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and Netivei Israel for further handling.
Police investigating motive behind the act
The suspect was arrested following targeted intelligence work and was taken in for questioning. Police are investigating the motive for the act, including whether it was a criminal act, an attempt to send a message, or an instance of animal cruelty. He is expected to appear today at the Be’er Sheva Magistrate’s Court, where police will request to extend his detention.
In recent months, several individuals from the Bedouin sector have been arrested for illegally possessing wild animals, including monkeys, crocodiles, and even lion cubs. Some of these incidents were shared on social media and sparked public outrage.
