11.03.2025 15:01
The ministry has taken action regarding the stray dog attacks that resulted in the deaths of two children in Hakkari and Konya, and the serious injury of a child in Erzurum. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that judicial and administrative investigations have been initiated concerning the incidents, adding, "Necessary legal and penal actions will be taken against those who have neglected their duties."
On January 18, in the Yenimahalle neighborhood of Yüksekova district in Hakkari, 12-year-old Eslem Teker was attacked by stray dogs while walking in an area along the Silk Road. On March 7, 2-year-old Rana El Selci lost her life after being attacked by 10 street dogs while playing outside during a family visit in the Başak neighborhood of Karatay district in Konya. In the rural Sütpınar neighborhood of Nalman district in Erzurum, on March 10, 10-year-old Murat Tutar was severely injured and taken to intensive care after being attacked by stray dogs while going to the market to buy bread. The incidents caused public outrage, prompting the ministry to take action.
JUDICIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION INITIATED
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced on his official social media account that a judicial and administrative investigation has been initiated regarding the stray dog attacks. Minister Tunç stated that necessary legal and penal sanctions would be applied against those who neglect their duties, using the following expressions:
"The loss of two of our children in Hakkâri Yüksekova and Konya Karatay, and the injury of one of our children in Erzurum Narman, has once again shown that the issue of stray animals is an urgent matter. The safety of our citizens, especially our children, comes first. Under the Animal Protection Law, municipalities and provincial special administrations are responsible for controlling stray animals and effectively operating shelters. It is of great importance that the authorities fulfill their duties completely. Judicial and administrative investigations have been initiated regarding the incidents, and necessary legal and penal actions will be taken against those who neglect their duties. Our determination to make our streets safe and ensure the safety of our citizens is absolute. Negligence that threatens public order and the safety of our citizens will never be tolerated."