Haytap Official
13 May 2025
We are writing to express grave concern regarding serious violations of animal welfare laws and the systematic mistreatment of stray animals at the Osmangazi Municipality Stray Animal Rehabilitation Center in Bursa, Turkey. These incidents have deeply wounded public conscience and necessitate urgent attention and intervention.
Widely circulated video footage on social media clearly shows animals at the Osmangazi center being dragged under inhumane conditions, denied proper care, and left to die. The footage also documents personnel using the drug T-61 to perform lethal procedures on animals — in direct violation of Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals.
These acts were carried out in blatant defiance of national legislation and relevant regulatory standards.
Although amendments to Law No. 7527 in 2024 prohibit the release of animals back into the wild, this regulation does not legalize killing or subjecting them to inappropriate or unlawful interventions. On the contrary, the right to life of stray animals must be safeguarded by the state and municipalities as a fundamental legal and moral duty.
The actions observed violate:
Articles 6 and 14 of Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals
Amendments introduced under Law No. 7527
The Implementing Regulation on the Protection of Animals (Official Gazette No. 32751, dated December 13, 2024)
Article 151/2 of the Turkish Penal Code (crime of harming animals)
Article 257 of the Turkish Penal Code (misuse of public duty)
Furthermore, serious allegations have been raised against a veterinarian employed by Osmangazi Municipality, including systematic cruelty, professional misconduct, and ethical violations toward stray animals.
In light of the above, we urgently request the following:
Identification of the individuals in the video and the initiation of appropriate judicial and administrative proceedings against them
A thorough investigation into whether the use of T-61 was legally authorized and correctly administered
An effective, independent administrative and legal investigation into the veterinarian and all other responsible parties
An independent audit of Osmangazi Municipality’s practices concerning stray animals
Full transparency and regular public reporting on findings and actions taken
According to Article 6 of Law No. 5199, protecting the right to life of stray animals is a constitutional and legal obligation. Failure to uphold this duty must be met with serious legal and administrative consequences.
We respectfully urge you to take immediate action to stop this cruelty and to ensure accountability at every level. The animals deserve justice — and the public demands it.