28.05.2026 13:41
Veterinarian Hakan Erdem, who was detained in connection with the discovery of 33 dead cats, some of them kittens, in a garbage container in Izmir's Buca district, has been arrested. Erdem, initially released under judicial supervision, was re-detained following the prosecutor's objection. He was brought back to court on charges of "intentional environmental pollution" and "intentional killing of domestic animals" and was sent to prison.
There has been a new development in the investigation concerning dozens of dead cats found in a garbage container in Izmir's Buca district. Veterinarian Hakan Erdem, previously released under judicial supervision, was re-arrested and detained following the prosecutor's appeal.
33 DEAD CATS FOUND IN GARBAGE BAGS
The incident occurred on Adnan Kahveci Street in Barış Mahallesi. Citizens suspicious of bags left in front of a garbage container notified the police.
Upon the report, teams arriving at the scene determined that the bags contained a total of 33 dead cats, some of which were kittens.
VETERINARIAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
As part of the investigation initiated by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, veterinarian Hakan Erdem was taken into custody.
After police procedures, Erdem was referred to the court on charges including "Intentional pollution of the environment" under Article 181/1 of the Turkish Penal Code and "Intentionally killing a pet or domestic animal" under Article 28/A-2 of Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals.
INITIAL DECISION DREW REACTION
After giving his statement to the prosecutor, Hakan Erdem was brought before the court and released on May 24 under judicial supervision.
The decision sparked widespread backlash from animal lovers and on social media.
PROSECUTOR APPEALED
The Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office appealed the release decision. Following the acceptance of the appeal, Hakan Erdem was recaptured and taken into custody.
After police procedures were completed, Erdem was again referred to the court and was arrested and sent to prison by the judge.
PUBLIC OUTCRY GROWS
Images of the 33 dead cats found in the garbage container caused widespread public outrage, with animal rights advocates particularly stating they would closely monitor the case.
It has been learned that the investigation is proceeding in multiple directions.