Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s EGO General Directorate has announced that the individuals alleged to be responsible for the death of Matmazel have been suspended from duty. As the incident sparked widespread outrage on social media, a petition launched in response gathered thousands of signatures within hours.
The Incident and Initial Reactions
Following allegations that Matmazel (also known as Kirli), a 15-year-old dog living at Ankara’s Demetevler Metro Station, was beaten to death by municipal employees, the EGO General Directorate of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) issued a written statement today. The statement confirmed that an official investigation has been launched and that the individuals implicated in the allegations have been temporarily suspended from their duties.
Strong Public Reaction
Matmazel’s death has triggered a wave of public outrage across Türkiye. Social media posts shared under the slogan “Türkiye stands for Matmazel!” reached millions of users nationwide. A petition launched on change.org by Duygu Özdemir was signed by thousands of people within 24 hours. In the comments section, signatories called for deterrent and exemplary punishments.
Official Investigation Process
According to a report by Anadolu Agency, the EGO General Directorate stated the following:
“In order to leave no room for doubt in the public conscience, the process has not ended here. Communication has been re-established with animal rights advocates, and it has been conveyed that we wish for the 15-year-old dog named ‘Matmazel’ to be exhumed and subjected to a renewed and comprehensive examination by an independent and expert institution. Representatives of the Ankara Bar Association, seeking to take part in the process, have exhumed the dog and transferred her to Ankara University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to determine whether she was subjected to violence. Officials there informed bar association lawyers that the examination process could take approximately 15 days. As Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, we have formally requested that this period be shortened and that the examination be prioritised.”
Public Demand: Justice and Deterrent Punishment
The petition launched on change.org calls for the punishment of the alleged perpetrators—reported to be security or cleaning staff—and demands the release of metro station security camera footage. The campaign quickly went viral on social media. Local residents and animal rights advocates emphasised that Matmazel posed no threat to anyone and was a beloved presence in the neighbourhood, calling for full transparency and the harshest possible penalties for those responsible.
Matmazel is reported to have lived for 15 years in and around Demetevler Metro Station, where she was cared for and loved by local residents. The results of the autopsy are expected to play a critical role in determining the course of the investigation.
