09.11.2025 02:43
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has made a controversial decision. The prosecutor's office has decided to remove the cats from the Bakırköy Courthouse. Reactions to the decision came swiftly.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has decided to collect the cats living in the Bakırköy Courthouse.
CATS IN BAKIRKÖY COURTHOUSE TO BE COLLECTED
The Istanbul Bar Association Animal Rights Center announced that the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has issued an order to collect the cats that have been living on the courthouse premises for years and are cared for and fed by courthouse staff, and to leave them outside the courthouse.
"THESE CATS ARE NOT NEWLY ARRIVED CREATURES FROM THE STREET"
Attorney Sena Şengün, a member of the Istanbul Bar Association Animal Rights Center, made statements regarding the issue. Şengün expressed: "We have very beautiful cats that we have lived with in the Bakırköy Courthouse for years. They are fed by the staff, receive veterinary support, and everyone knows them. These cats are not newly arrived creatures from the street; they are beings that know the courthouse, their home, and have never known the outside world.
"WE HAVE CATS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES AMONG THEM"
Unfortunately, one of the first orders from the newly appointed Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor was to collect these cats and leave them outside the courthouse, into the unknown. Look, this is very important. These animals will not be taken to a shelter, will not be transferred to a safe place, and will not be given a reasonable time for adoption. They will simply be collected and left somewhere. And I must say this clearly: This 'leaving' actually means abandoning the animals to death.
Because these cats do not know the outside world. They have lived for years in a safe area that is closed to traffic within the courthouse. Among them, there are older cats with chronic illnesses, and those who have difficulty climbing stairs. When they are taken out of the courthouse, they will not be able to find their way home. They do not know where home is. They will get lost outside, be crushed, or fall ill.
"THIS DECISION IS AGAINST THE LAW AND CONSCIENCE"
Remember, a cat born on the street has a lifespan of 2-3 years, but these cats may not even see a year if they are left outside. We explained this from start to finish. We proposed a protected, special feeding area. We requested a reasonable time for adoption. All were rejected. The answer is clear: The cats will go.
This decision is against the law, science, and conscience. Our request is very simple: The right to life of animals should be protected. Therefore, our call is clear: We will meet in front of the Bakırköy Courthouse on Sunday, November 9, at 9:00 AM. Because they cannot defend themselves. It is our responsibility to be their voice."