After the law stipulating the ‘slaughter’ of stray animals came into force, reports of massacres began to emerge from different cities. In Ankara’s Altındağ district, it was revealed that many dogs found buried, had been tortured and killed, with their bodily integrity severely compromised. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
Following the draft law against stray animals submitted by AKP to the Parliament, which recently came into force, images of animal slaughter have started to emerge from different cities in Turkey.
Since the bill was first discussed, animal rights advocates, lawyers, and academics have opposed the regulation, stating that it would lead to the killing of animals.
Similar images emerged from Ankara’s Altındağ district yesterday, following the killing and mass burial of dogs at the animal care center of AKP’s Niğde Municipality. In Altındağ, dozens of dogs were found slaughtered in a fenced-off area. Right-to-life defenders discovered that some dogs had been buried and found evidence showing that many of the slaughtered dogs were thrown into pits in bags, tortured to death, and had their bodily integrity disrupted.
Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation following the incident. Emre Çınar, the Director of Veterinary Affairs for Altındağ Municipality, whose statement was taken as part of the investigation, claimed that the actions taken regarding the animals were under the Animal Protection Law No. 5199.
Arguing that all procedures in the temporary care home were under the law, Emre Çınar stated that the animals in question were ‘ownerless’ and that the responsibility for the procedures lies with local governments. The investigation is ongoing, with statements being taken and evidence collected.
In a statement regarding the allegations and images, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality said: ‘The incident that took place in the shelter affiliated with Altındağ Municipality is not within the responsibility area of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. We want to inform the public that the shelter does not belong to Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, and we will pursue this massacre closely.’
Turkish Psychologists Association’s Announcement
Turkish Psychologists Association published a statement today about 11 dogs found dead in bags and pits in Altındağ district of Ankara last night (August 8).
Announcing its support for rights defenders and animal lovers in the field and providing psychological support as needed, the association’s statement is as follows:
“The images of the animal massacre that occurred in our country last night have deeply traumatized all of us. We would like to express our support for the activists and animal lovers who are in the field and in need of psychological support. As psychologists, we want to emphasize that this law could encourage people prone to violence. Unfortunately, our previous warnings to the authorities were unanswered. This incident may be a sign of even more horrific violence to come. We urge for the cancellation of this law: What happened last night has made our country a dangerous place for all of us, especially children. This law needs urgent discussion and annulment by the Constitutional Court. Everyone has the right to live in a society without violence!”
