It was claimed that dogs were buried collectively in Niğde, but the truth turned out to be completely different.

Niğde Municipality made a statement following the allegations that stray dogs were collectively buried in a place with a "Animal Cemetery" sign. Niğde Municipality stated in the statement that animals that died naturally, such as traffic accidents, were buried in the official area owned by the municipality, and stated, "The processes carried out by liming are completely in accordance with the law and conscience in order not to endanger public health."

ALLEGATION OF "COLLECTIVE BURIAL OF DOGS IN NIĞDE"

A footage from Niğde caused reactions on social media after the draft law regarding street animals was passed in the Turkish Parliament. It was claimed that Niğde Municipality carried out collective dog euthanasia and buried the dogs in an area with a "Animal Cemetery" sign.

NIĞDE MUNICIPALITY DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS

Niğde Municipality made a statement following the allegations. The municipality stated that the mentioned area is the official animal cemetery owned by the municipality and that the animals that died naturally during the day are buried there, and stated that the allegations of "mass euthanasia" are unfounded.

"AN AREA CREATED FOR ANIMALS THAT DIE NATURALLY"

The statement included the following statements: "Regarding the news spread with our municipality's name today; the place mentioned in the news is the animal cemetery allocated in accordance with Law No. 5199 owned by Niğde Municipality... It is an area created for animals that die naturally, die in traffic accidents, or carry zoonotic agents. The processes carried out by liming are completely in accordance with the law and conscience in order not to endanger public health..."

NIĞDE MAYOR: IT'S REALLY HARD TO BELIEVE

Niğde Mayor Emrah Özdemir denied the allegations in a live broadcast. Özdemir said the following: "It's really hard to believe. What psychology were those people who took the footage in, what were they trying to do? Yes, the place they filmed is an animal cemetery. It is the official animal cemetery of Niğde Municipality. Just like people die every day, our animals also naturally pass away. Some are in our rehabilitation center, some die in traffic accidents.

"THEY PRESENT IT IN A DIFFERENT WAY"

They secretly filmed while they were being buried there. And they present it in a different way. We are saddened by such things, but we don't know their intentions. We don't have an official statement, but some people are doing this consciously. I hesitated to participate in the broadcast. We don't want those with such psychological problems to be on the agenda.

"WE FILED A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT"

As Niğde Municipality, we have the best animal rehabilitation center in the region. We have filed a criminal complaint regarding the issue."